TMT proteomics establishes correlations between solar drying and quality modifications in Penaeus vannamei

This study investigated proteomic changes in Penaeus vannamei in half-dried and dried shrimp using tandem mass-tag technology. After performing the drying treatment, the tandem mass-tag results revealed 1,162,306 spectra, 2997 quantifiable proteins, and 72 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared with that in the untreated group. A total of 29 DEPs were found in the half-dried shrimp, while 49 DEPs were found in the dried shrimp. Bioinformatic analyses based on Gene Ontology term enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interactions showed that the DEPs were primarily involved in protein structure and fat metabolism. A correlation analysis between the DEPs and quality indicators showed that 45 DEPs were significantly associated with shrimp quality traits, with certain proteins potentially representing markers of color and texture. Of these, arthrodial cuticle protein AMP16.3 might be a protein marker for color, while heat shock protein 21, WH2 domain-containing protein, and myosin heavy chain 1 might be markers of shrimp muscle textural properties. These results provide a systematic understanding of the quality difference between half-dried and dried P. vannamei from the perspective of proteomics and have potential scientific significance and practical value for improving the quality of dried products.