The proteome map of the escamolera ant (Liometopum apiculatum Mayr) larvae reveals immunogenic proteins and several hexamerin proteoforms

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2018Source: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and ProteomicsAuthor(s): José A. Huerta-Ocampo, María S. García-Muñoz, Aida J. Velarde-Salcedo, Eric E. Hernández-Domínguez, Jorge L. González-Escobar, Alberto Barrera-Pacheco, Alicia Grajales-Lagunes, Ana P. Barba de la RosaAbstractThe larvae of escamolera ant (Liometopum apiculatum Mayr) have been considered a delicacy since Pre-Hispanic times. The increased demand for this stew has led to massive collection of ant nests. Yet biological aspects of L. apiculatum larvae remain unknown, and mapping the proteome of this species is important for understanding its biological characteristics. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was used to characterize the larvae proteome profile. From 380 protein spots analyzed, 174 were identified by LC-MS/MS and homology search against the Hymenoptera subset of the NCBInr protein database using the Mascot search engine. Peptide de novo sequencing and homology-based alignment allowed the identification of 36 additional protein spots. Identified proteins were classified by cellular location, molecular function, and biological process according to the Gene Ontology annotation. Immunity- and defense-related proteins were identified including PPIases, FK506, PEBP, and chitinases. Several hexamerin proteoforms were identified and the cDNA of the m...
Source: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research