Comparative Proteomics of Resistant and Susceptible Strains of Frankliniella occidentalis to Abamectin

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an invasive agricultural pest with developed resistance to abamectin in some strains due to frequent treatment with the pesticide. In this study, we examined differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between abamectin-resistant (Aba^R; under abamectin selective pressure) and susceptible strains (Aba^S; without abamectin selective pressure) of F. occidentalis. Proteins were isolated from second instar larvae of both strains and separated via two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Nano-flow liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry identified selected protein spot features. From 70 DEPs, 43 spot features were identified: A total of 23 showed an increase in abundance, and 20 were down-regulated in response to abamectin pressure. The enzymatic and structural proteins were classified into the functional groups of macromolecular metabolisms, signaling and cellular processes, immune system, genetic information processing, and exoskeleton-related proteins. The up-regulation of exoskeleton-related proteins may contribute to forming a thicker cuticle, potentially hindering abamectin penetration, which is an interesting finding that needs further investigation. Two novel proteins, triacylglycerol lipase and cuticle protein CPF 2, were only expressed in Aba^R. This work provides insights into abamectin resistance mechanisms in F. occidentalis, which will provide important information for developing insecticide resistance management approaches for this pest.