Abstract:

【Objective】 The goal of this study is to gain better understanding in molecular basis between sexually matured drone and adult worker through differential proteome analysis of their antennae quality and quantity. 【Method】 Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) were run to identify the protein in drone and worker antennae with their molecular weight and pI and expression volume. Accordingly, several proteins with significant variations in their expression volume were identified by using MALDI-TOF/MS and MASCOT software. In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis of the identified proteins was conducted. 【Result】In total, 484 and 479 protein spots were detected in adult drone and worker antennae, respectively, of which 416 expressed proteins were shared between drone and worker antennae. There were 102 and 80 proteins spots upregualted in drone and worker antennae, respectively. Nine proteins spots significantly altered their expression were identified and classified into transport, energy metabolism, hormone metabolism, and a unknown functional group. An odorant binding protein 14, fatty acid binding protein (couple), juvenile hormone esterase (couple), acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, bellwether isoform , CG31974-PA were expressed highly in the antennae of sexually matured drone. An antennal special protein 2 was expressed highly in the antennae of adult worker. 【Conclusion】 Most of the protein spots were commonly expressed in the antennae of the two castes, indicating both castes of honeybees are conservative during molecular evolution through their antennae. Transport and metabolism related proteins were highly expressed in drone antennae indicating they are crucial in assisting the drones to discriminate sex pheromone and chase the queen to make successful mating exactly and swiftly. Antennal special protein 2 was expressed highly in worker antennae which is likely to help the foragers to search nectar resource quickly and recognize its nest mate through receiving colony pheromone.

Key words: mature drone')">mature drone, adult worker, antenna, proteome