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ViewAttendees 6

10-Minute Paper

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

PBT: Cold Physiology and Nucleotides

Comparative proteomic analysis of Bombus vosnesenskii venom along an elevation gradient

Sunday, November 5, 2023
8:36 AM – 8:48 AM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor 11
In-Person
Venom is a complex bio-fluid secreted by the host venom gland and is used for predation, defense, competition, and reproduction. It is a rich source of enzymes, proteins, and small peptides with bioactive properties, which act on the vital systems of preys or predators. Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops. Their thermoregulatory capacity allows them to inhabit in a wide range of habitats and tolerate extreme temperature conditions. Venom composition can vary both inter- and intraspecifically based on several factors including predatory selection pressures, gene regulation, phylogeny, age, geographic location, diet, and environmental factors. Previous studies in bumble bees have revealed that venom composition can vary among species and even different populations of the same species. In our study; 1. we aim to analyze and identify the venom components of B. vosnesenskii for the first time, 2. assess whether changes in venom occur among bumble bee colonies reared from low and high elevation queens if they were to be brought back to a controlled lab environment in the same elevational level with stable temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Venom was extracted from workers from the same lifecycle stage and venom proteome of low and high elevation workers were analyzed using LC-MS/ MS. Based on our comparative analyses, we expect to see differences in toxin profiles in these two groups, suggesting the influence of genetic factors on bumble bee venom composition. Overall, the results will enhance our knowledge on bumble bee venom plasticity.