Proteome-Wide Analysis and Surface Protein Isolation for Secretome Characterization Reveal Insights into the Biology of the Leaf-Cutter Ant <i>Acromyrmex echinatior</i>.

ABSTRACT: Characterizing the proteome of an organism can provide critical insights into the proteins that regulate key biological processes such as development, physiology, and environmental interactions. While proteome-wide analyses reveal broad protein dynamics, spatially resolved approaches can uncover specific, localized functions. For example, the leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex echinatior secretes a unique protein layer that coats its exoskeleton and interacts with biotic and abiotic factors, including its symbiotic bacterium Pseudonocardia. In this study, to characterize both the whole-body proteome and the externally secreted cuticular protein layer of A. echinatior, we utilize a dual-layered proteomic approach. Using diaPASEF, we quantified 4,428 proteins across four early a

SUBMITTER: Huang P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12756850 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature