Early light inducible proteins (ELIPs) are thylakoid proteins transiently induced by light. They are found in many species, most of which are annual plants. Studies on perennial plants are scarce and in grapevine almost nil. Because grapevines normally grow in sites with high radiation, we aimed to characterize the ELIP expression to evaluate whether they have a role in photoprotection in this species. ELIP expression was characterized in leaves at different temperatures, times of induction and natural light intensities. Very low expression was found in mature leaves. In young leaves, ELIP expression was high but began at temperatures higher than 13 degrees C. Maximal expression was obtained at 30 degrees C after 4h of induction at 1000 mu mol PAR m(-2) s(-1). At this intensity, the level of photoinhibition was also maximal. We conclude that in grapevine leaves, ELIP expression is developmentally dependent, occurring mainly in developing leaves, Finally, our results showed that the light intensity dependence of the ELIP expression correlated with the extent of photoinhibition indicating that ELIP induction is controlled by the strength of light stress and suggesting a role of these proteins in photoprotection. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.