Life-stage variation in Sable Shearwater physiology assessed using proteomics

ABSTRACT: Seabirds undertake some of the greatest wildlife migrations, incurring substantial energetic and metabolic costs that extend beyond the journey itself. Juvenile seabirds face particularly high demands, embarking on transoceanic migrations after fledgling with minimal or no parental care. On the other hand, adults simultaneously are recovering from migration while preparing to engage in courtship and the breeding season. To investigate the migration preparedness and recovery, we applied data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) to compare the plasma proteomes of fledgling and adult Sable Shearwaters Ardenna carneipes. Fledglings, sampled just prior to embarking on their first migration, exhibited enriched proteomic signatures associated with developmental tissue remodelling, and bone and cartilage development. Fledglings additionally have an increase in glycolytic processes indicative of a growth-orientated metabolism enabling rapid adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production to develop the metabolic function needed to support the upcoming migration. Adults sampled during critical point in the seabird lifecycle, between post-migration recovery and courtship, showed multifaceted enrichment of metabolic recovery, tissue/injury repair, and wound healing. Gluconeogenic pathways are enriched, which is consistent with known use of fat or protein storages to support migration. As we are sampling adults four to six weeks following migration, this suggests that Sable Shearwaters from Lord Howe Island, Australia are not currently able to sufficiently recover from their annual migration prior to the breeding season commencing. Proteomics offer new insights into the stage-specific physiological adaptations for migratory seabirds.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Ardenna Carneipes

TISSUE(S): Blood Plasma

SUBMITTER: Richard Wilson  

LAB HEAD: Dr Richard Wilson

PROVIDER: PXD064350 | Pride | 2026-07-01

REPOSITORIES: Pride