Ovi-protective mothers: exploring the proteomic profile of weevil (Gonipterus) egg capsules

Natalia M Souza; Tianfang Wang; Saowaros Suwansa-ard; Helen Nahrung; Scott Cummins

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10516

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Ovi-protective mothers: exploring the proteomic profile of weevil (Gonipterus) egg capsules

Natalia M Souza, Tianfang Wang, Saowaros Suwansa-ard, Helen Nahrung and Scott Cummins

Heliyon, Vol.8(9), pp.1-10

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10516

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

ootheca

mucin

spidroin

vitellogenin

anti-chymotrypsin

structural protein

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

Insects of different orders produce elaborate structures to protect their eggs from the many threats they may face from the environment and natural enemies. In the weevil genus Gonipterus, their dark, hardened egg capsule is possibly generated by a mixture of the insects' excrement and glandular substances. To test this hypothesis, this study focused on the elucidation of protein components present in the egg capsule cover and interrogated them through comparative analysis and gene expression to help infer potential functions. First, female Gonipterus sp. n. 2 reproductive and alimentary tissues were isolated to establish a reference transcriptome-derived protein database. Then, proteins from weevil frass (excrement) and egg capsule cover were identified through mass spectrometry proteomics. We found that certain egg capsule cover proteins were both exclusive and shared between frass and egg capsule cover, including those of plant origin (e.g. photosystem II protein) and others secreted by the weevil, primarily from reproductive tissue. Among them, a mucin/spidroin-like protein and novel proteins with repetitive units that likely play a structural role were identified. We have confirmed the dual origin of the egg capsule cover substance as a blend of the insects' frass and secretions. Novel proteins secreted by the weevils are key candidates for holding the egg case cover together.

Details

Title: Ovi-protective mothers: exploring the proteomic profile of weevil (Gonipterus) egg capsules
Authors: Natalia M Souza (Author) - Department of Primary Industries
Tianfang Wang (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
Saowaros Suwansa-ard (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
Helen Nahrung (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research Centre
Scott Cummins (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
Publication details: Heliyon, Vol.8(9), pp.1-10
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10516
ISSN: 2405-8440
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy; Forest Industries Research Centre; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Forest Research Institute; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99673697702621
Output Type: Journal article

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