Changes of proteome and phosphoproteome trigger embryo-larva transition of honeybee worker (Apis mellifera ligustica).

The development of the last day embryo to the first instar larva is an essential process in the honeybee life cycle. However, the molecular mechanism of this life transition is still unknown. The proteome and phosphoproteome of last day embryos (72 h) and first instar larvae (24h, post hatching) were analyzed using 2-DE, multiplex fluorescent staining, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and qRT-PCR.

Western honeybee drones and workers (Apis mellifera ligustica) have different olfactory mechanisms than eastern honeybees (Apis cerana cerana).

The honeybees Apis mellifera ligustica (Aml) and Apis cerana cerana (Acc) are two different western and eastern bee species that evolved in distinct ecologies and developed specific antennal olfactory systems for their survival. Knowledge of how their antennal olfactory systems function in regards to the success of each respective bee species is scarce. We compared the antennal morphology and proteome between respective sexually mature drones and foraging workers of both species using a scanning electron microscope, two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.