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Induction and Evaluation of Inbreeding Crosses Using the Ant, Vollenhovia Emeryi
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Conserved and Unique Protein Expression Patterns Across Reproductive Stage Transitions in Social Hymenopteran Queens.
Alison McAfee1,2, Baptiste Martinet3, Kimberly Przybyla4
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Molecular Ecology
|November 4, 2024
Summary
Insect queens undergo significant physiological changes after mating. This study reveals conserved protein expression patterns related to development and reproduction across four hymenopteran species, highlighting species-specific immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Comparative Physiology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Hymenopteran queens exhibit remarkable fecundity and longevity, undergoing substantial physiological shifts post-mating and nest establishment.
- The conservation of these reproductive stage-specific physiological changes across diverse hymenopteran life histories remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively analyze proteomic differences in reproductive stages of four hymenopteran species: Apis mellifera, Bombus impatiens, Bombus terrestris, and Lasius niger.
- To identify conserved and species-specific protein expression patterns associated with queen reproductive transitions.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis of hemolymph (Apis mellifera, Bombus impatiens, Bombus terrestris) and whole-body homogenates (Lasius niger) across virgin, mated, and established queen reproductive stages.
- Utilized comparative proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins and conserved patterns.
Main Results:
- Conserved upregulation of proteins involved in anatomical and system development was observed in three species during nest establishment, excluding Bombus terrestris.
- Vitellogenin, vitellogenin receptor, and immune-responsive protein (IRP)30 showed conserved expression patterns associated with oviposition across species.
- Expression patterns of immune proteins, heat-shock proteins (HSPs), and detoxification/antioxidant enzymes varied significantly, indicating species-specific adaptations.
Conclusions:
- Conserved protein profiles suggest shared physiological pathways for reproduction and development in hymenopteran queens.
- Species-specific variations in protein expression, particularly in immune and stress-response proteins, likely reflect differential selective pressures and adaptive capacities to environmental changes and pathogens.
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