Based proteomics analyses reveal response mechanisms of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) against the heat stress.

Abstract

Heat stress can significantly affect the survival, metabolism, and reproduction of honeybees. It is important to understand the proteomic changes of honeybees under heat stress to understand the molecular mechanism behind heat resistance. However, the proteomic changes of honeybees under heat stress are poorly understood. We analyzed the proteomic changes of Apis mellifera Ligustica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) under heat stress using mass spectrometry-based proteomics with TMT (Tandem mass tags) stable isotope labeling. A total of 3,799 proteins were identified, 85 of which differentially abundance between experimental groups. The most significant categories affected by heat stress were associated with transcription and translation processes, metabolism, and stress-resistant pathways. We found that heat stress altered the protein profiles in A. mellifera, with momentous resist proteins being upregulated in heat groups. These results show a proof of molecular details that A. mellifera can respond to heat stress by increasing resist proteins. Our findings add research basis for studying the molecular mechanisms of honeybees' resistance to heat stress. The differentially expressed proteins identified in this study can be used as biomarkers of heat stress in bees, and provide a foundation for future research on honeybees under heat stress. Our in-depth proteomic analysis provides new insights into how bees cope with heat stress.