Conserved and unique protein expression patterns across reproductive
stage transitions in social hymenopteran queens
Abstract
Hymenopteran queens are collectively highly fecund, often long-lived
individuals that undergo dramatic physiological changes after they mate
and establish a nest. However, the degree to which these changes are
conserved among species with different life histories is not
well-defined. We conducted a comparative proteomic study investigating
differences between reproductive stages (virgins, mated, and established
queens) of Apis mellifera, Bombus impatiens, B.
terrestris, and Lasius niger. We identified conserved
upregulation of proteins involved in anatomical and system development
as queens transition to establishing a nest in all species except
B. terrestris. We also identified conserved patterns of
vitellogenin, vitellogenin receptor, and immune responsive protein
(IRP)30, all of which are proteins typically associated with
oviposition. However, expression patterns of other immune proteins,
heat-shock proteins (HSPs), detoxification enzymes, and antioxidant
enzymes were more dissimilar, with some species exhibiting similar
trends and coregulation through reproductive stages, while others
exhibited variable or opposite patterns. These conserved and unique
profiles likely in part reflect similarities and differences in
selective pressure on reproductive stages of each species and may
indicate differing abilities to respond to emergent pathogens or
environmental change.