Proteomic comparison of summer and winter Apis mellifera workers shows reduced protein abundance in winter samples

ABSTRACT: Apis mellifera workers in temperate climates display two castes; short lived summer bees that engage in nursing, hive maintenance and foraging, and long lived winter bees (diutinus bees) which remain within the hive and are essential for thermoregulation. Label free quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted on A. mellifera workers sampled in June and December to compare the proteomes of summer and winter bees. Proteomic analysis was completed on head, abdominal and venom sac samples which revealed an elevated level of protein abundance in summer bees but and a decrease in protein abundance in winter bees. Head and abdominal samples displayed an increase in cuticular proteins in summer samples whereas an increase in xenobiotic proteins was observed in winter samples. Several carbohydrate metabolism pathways which have been linked to energy production and longevity in insects were observed to be increased in abundance in winter samples in comparison to summer samples. Proteomic analysis of the venom sacs an increased abundance and expression of bee venom associated proteins in comparison to winter workers. These data provides an insight into the adaptions of A. mellifera workers in summer and winter and may aid in future treatment and disease studies on honeybee colonies.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive HF

ORGANISM(S): Apis Mellifera (honeybee)

SUBMITTER: Rachel Ward  

LAB HEAD: Kevin Kavanagh

PROVIDER: PXD030483 | Pride | 2022-05-20

REPOSITORIES: Pride