Proteomic signature of neurotoxicity: stage-specific brain responses to sublethal exposition to deltamethrin in the European earwig

ABSTRACT: Proteomics provides a powerful approach to uncover molecular alterations induced by chemical contaminants, revealing physiological disruptions that remain undetectable at phenotypic or behavioral levels. In this study, we analyzed for the first time the head proteome of field-collected Forficula auricularia females exposed to deltamethrin at two key life stages: before and after the maternal care period. A total of 36 females were exposed to 6.875 ng/cm² of deltamethrin or to a control treatment, through a protocol mimicking realistic contact with dried residues in orchards. Differential proteomic analysis was conducted on the 36 females using nanoLC-MS/MS. We observed marked proteomic alterations induced by deltamethrin exposure, shared across stages, including modulation of detoxification proteins (NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase, arginine kinase), metabolic enzymes, and stress-related proteins, suggesting a general physiological cost of exposure. Stage-specific responses to pesticide exposure were also marked: before the maternal care period, strong upregulation of apoptotic processes indicated cellular stress and potential neurotoxic effects. At each stage, the downregulation of calcium ion homeostasis suggests impaired neuromuscular performance. Our findings demonstrate that deltamethrin induces significant molecular changes in F. auricularia females across life stages. Importantly, proteins consistently affected across life stages emerge as promising biomarkers of pesticide exposure. By identifying conserved markers of pesticide exposure, this study highlights the value of proteomic approaches for detecting hidden sublethal effects and improving environmental risk assessment.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Furcula Furcula Forficula

TISSUE(S): Head

SUBMITTER: Valerie LABAS  

LAB HEAD: Charlotte Lecureuil

PROVIDER: PXD076086 | Pride | 2026-10-06

REPOSITORIES: Pride