Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed development accompanies glycosylation and phosphorylation of total soluble and oil body membrane-associated proteins

Seed development is a complex process involving a series of physiological and metabolic events. During this process, glycosylation, a post-translational modification, plays a crucial role in protein targeting during cellular signaling, while protein phosphorylation acts as a molecular switch, activating proteins in the signaling cascade essential for development. Sunflower is an important oilseed crop in India and worldwide. Phosphoprotein analysis at three stages of sunflower seed development (20, 30 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)) has revealed significant stage-specific differences in phosphoprotein and glycoprotein distribution. This analysis provides a metabolic framework for further characterizing the biochemical events associated with seed development. The present investigations will be instrumental in analysing the expression and modulation of glycosylation and phosphorylation of proteins during different phases of sunflower seed development. Additionally, this research offer insights into the regulatory roles phosphorylation and glycosylation as molecular switches in governing seed development in sunflower.