Integrative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses reveal complex mechanisms of reproductive diapause in Bombus terretris queens (phosphoproteome)

Reproductive diapause is the overwintering strategy for Bombus terrestris, which is an important pollinator for agricultural production. However, the precise mechanisms of the reproductive diapause in bumble bees remain largely unclear. Here, a combination analyses of proteomics and phosphoproteomics was used to reveal the mechanisms that occurs during and after diapause at three different phases, diapause (D), post-diapause (PD), and founder post-diapause (FPD). In total, 4465 proteins and 10600 phosphorylation sites of 3339 proteins were identified. The diapause termination and re-activated regulation from D to PD characterized by the up-regulation of proteins associated with ribosome assembly and biogenesis, transcription and translation regulation in combination with the down-regulation of proteins associated with amino acid and fatty acid degradation. Meanwhile, the phosphoproteomic from D to PD transition showed up-regulation of neural signal transmission, hormone biosynthesis and secretion, and energy-