Proteomics of the Bee brain and in olfactory memory

Previous work has shown that a series of honey bee brain proteins were probably linked to the proboscis extension reflex (PER) , a model studying insect behaviour. Herein, it was the aim of the study to generate a “synaptic proteome” and to investigate which proteins were paralleling olfactory conditioning. To address this information, we applied a non-sophisticated olfactory conditioning model using the proboscis extension reflex (PER) in the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Foraging honeybees were used in the study and three groups were formed, animals on water control, sucrose (PER) and olfactory conditioned (PER-conditioned) using 2-octanone. A synaptosomal preparation of honey bee brain for quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labelling (TMT 10plex) was performed. In addition a synaptosomal brain proteome was generated. Protein levels that were modified during olfactory conditioning were associated with “SNARE interactions in vesicular transport” (BET1 and VAMP7), ABC transporters, and fatty acid degradation pathways.. A honey bee synaptosomal proteome dataset including neurotransmitter receptors and transporters was generated.