Proteomic characterisation of the summer–winter transition in Apis mellifera

The aim of the work presented here was to characterise proteomic shifts that occur in worker honeybees as they transition from summer winter. Label-free quantitative analysis performed on heads Apis mellifera collected July October compare proteomes bees colony progressed autumn. Analysis highlighted differential protein expression between emerged and hive (early late) forager bees, highlighting process age polyethism within honeybees. A shift sampled September compared those August also characterised. Bees had a higher abundance proteins associated with oxidative phosphorylation storage such hexamerin decreased major royal jelly which could be an indication change occurs hypopharyngeal gland winter bee. Results this study indicate emerging display significant differences August, these changes may enable withstand stresses perform their function thermoregulation hive.