Proteomic Changes Associated with Successive Reproductive Periods in Male Polychaetous Neanthes arenaceodentata

Abstract

The polychaetous annelid Neanthes acuminata complex has a widespread distribution, with the California population referred to as N. arenaceodentata. The reproductive pattern in this complex is unique, in that the female reproduces once and then dies, whereas the male can reproduce up to nine times. The male incubates the embryos until the larvae leave the male’s tube 21–28 days later and commences feeding. Reproductive success and protein expression patterns were measured over the nine reproductive periods. The percent success of the male in producing juveniles increased during the first three reproductive periods and then decreased, but the number of juveniles produced was similar through all nine periods. iTRAQ based quantitative proteomics were used to analyze the dynamics of protein expression patterns. The expression patterns of several proteins were found to be altered. The abundant expression of muscular and contractile proteins may have affected body weight and reproductive success. Sperm have never been observed; fertilization occurs within the parent’s tube. Proteins associated with sperm maturation and fertilization were identified, including ATPase, clathrin, peroxiredoxins and enolase, which may provide clues to the molecular mechanisms enabling males to reproduce multiple times.

Transcriptome and proteome dynamics in larvae of the barnacle Balanus Amphitrite from the Red Sea

“…For example, myosins, titin, actin, tubulins, talin-1 and fasciclin-1 were up-regulated in RS larvae (Table 2 ), whereas settlement pheromone, cement secretion protein 2, retinol dehydrogenase 13 and NMDA receptor protein 1 were down-regulated (Table 3 ). This is consistent with our previous reports showing differential expression of cytoskeletal proteins during development in polychaetes [ 29 – 32 ]. The myosins and titins contribute to muscle development and the contraction of striated muscle.…”

Marine Proteomics: Challenges and Opportunities

“…In a joint collaboration effort, we used proteomics methods to study these worms unique and rare reproduction pattern in nature where female die after laying eggs and male incubate the eggs and capable reproducing nine times. We identified several proteins which provided clue behind reproductive success of male worm [2].…”