Nutraceutical and functional potential of the Apis mellifera L. royal pupae proteome
The objective of this research was to characterize the proteome of the Apis mellifera royal pupae to evaluate its potential as a nutraceutical and functional food. Six pupal instars (E1-E6) were analyzed using liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics techniques to determine their properties and biological functions. The results showed 15 proteins across the different instars. In E1, the Isoform X2 of the Caf1 protein and the vitellogenin precursor were found, both critical in genetic regulation and nutrient transport. E2 revealed three proteins linked to energy and genetic processes. Proteins identified in E3 were associated with sugar metabolism and cellular structure. E4 presented proteins related to cellular stress and oxidative processes. In E5, three proteins were identified, associated with molecular transport and energy metabolism. Results for instar E6 were inconclusive since the complexity of peptide identification. From a nutraceutical and functional perspective, the identified proteins show significant potential due to their antioxidant activities, metabolic control, and cellular regulation. Noteworthy proteins include aldose reductase for its role in diabetes management, glutamate dehydrogenase for its importance in amino acid metabolism, vitellogenin as a nutrient source and immune system stimulant, and heat shock protein 60 A, with therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases.