Comparative proteomics of Euphorbia kansui Liou milky sap at two different developmental stages

• The first deep proteomics approach to Euphorbia kansui latex was demonstrated.
• 125 milky sap proteins have been identified.
• 19 differentially expressed proteins were identified at two developmental stages.
• The proteins were related to laticifer development, secondary metabolite synthesis.

Euphorbia kansui Liou is a unique traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Its milky sap proteins play important roles in laticifer development, synthesis and transport of its biologically active substances. A proteomic approach was applied to analyze the E. kansui latex proteins related to laticifer development and secondary metabolite synthesis by using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of 125 milky sap proteins associated with development of laticifers, disease and defense, and general metabolism were identified, and 19 differentially expressed proteins at two different developmental stages of laticifers were successfully detected. Peroxidase, cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase superfamily, lipoxygenase, and multidrug resistance protein ABC transporter family may be involved in laticifer development, secondary metabolite synthesis and transport, and plant physiology.