Dynamic proteome of Nasonia vitripennis nymphal development reveals testis-specific regulation of orphan proteins

ABSTRACT: In this study, we present the first proteome-wide analysis of tissue-specific and developmental protein dynamics in Nasonia vitripennis nymphae with a particular focus on testis differentiation. We profiled protein abundance in heads, legs, and testes across four successive pupal stages, identifying more than 2500 proteins. While a large ubiquitous core proteome was detected, distinct signatures of tissue- and stage-specific expression emerged. Among tissues, testes showed the earliest divergence, with clear separation between early and late pupal stages, consistent with the progressive onset of spermatogenesis. Clustering of protein abundance trajectories revealed sequential molecular programs associated with cytoskeletal remodeling, meiotic processes, and terminal spermiogenesis, highlighting both conserved testis-related pathways and lineage-specific features in Nasonia vitripennis. We focused on a set of 175 proteins developmentally regulated in the testis showing at least a two-fold abundance change between stages. Among them, 11 were uncharacterized proteins whose expression was modulated across testicular development. 3D structure predictions and 3D similarity searches suggested that four of these orphan proteins form a novel family of six-bladed β-propeller–like proteins, likely related to exo-α-sialidases. Strikingly, this family appears restricted to Hymenoptera, pointing to possible lineage-specific innovations associated with organ differentiation, tissue remodeling, and possible roles in reproductive biology.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Nasonia Vitripennis

TISSUE(S): Testis, Head, Leg

SUBMITTER: Jean ARMENGAUD  

LAB HEAD: Jean Armengaud

PROVIDER: PXD073770 | Pride | 2026-04-23

REPOSITORIES: Pride