Monika Raman, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore
Bees have supplied products that are helpful to people for thousands of years, in addition to providing vital pollination services to ecosystems and crops. Honey, beeswax, pollen, venom, royal jelly, and propolis are among them.
Bee venom is the most expensive honey bee product ($30-$300 per gram), yet it’s slightly generated in apiculture. Bee venom study has recently concentrated on its therapeutic and cosmetics uses, although it is widely studied and utilized in alternative medicine.
Although bee venom’s protein and peptide composition are vital to its bioactivity, Curtin researchers investigated how behavioural and ecological variables impact bee venom quality, a product extensively utilized for degenerative illnesses treatment like Parkinson’s and osteoarthritis treatment.
Protein diversity in bee venom generated by the honeybee in Australia was examined, for the first time in this work published in PLOS ONE.
During the flowering season of Corymbia Calophylla – bees (Apis Mellifera Ligustica) were gathered from 25 hives in Harvey, South-Western Australia.
Protein diversity of bee venom
They have found 99 proteins of bee venom, of which approximately a third has been identified previously. “The larger the number of proteins identified in the venom, the better the quality and impact,” said the primary researcher Dr Daniela Scaccabarozzi, a research consultant at ChemCentre.
The diverse study team looked at several aspects to better understand the protein diversity of bee venom and determine what factors influenced it. It takes into account ecological factors as well as bee behavioural patterns.
Behavioural factors driving the bee venom protein composition and weight
The relationship between docile and energetic bees showed a strong behavioural component. They observed that the ‘angry bees’ who reacted strongly to their stimulating gadgets -generated venom that was richer and more protein-dense.
The alarm pheromone production that causes other bees to react aggressively by stinging determines the total bee venom quantity produced. It might be due to genetic alterations that cause bees to become aggressive.
Ecological variables influence bee venom weight and protein composition
The scientists also confirmed that the protein content of bee venom was affected by temperature, according to Dr Scaccabarozzi.
High temperatures can damage the activities of bees in and out of the hive. “We observed that higher temperatures resulted in decreased venom production in the 25 hives we studied,” said Dr Scaccabarozzi.
The study confirmed that seasonal variables do induce a shift in the protein profile of bee venom. Temperatures between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius are ideal for high protein variety.
Further research found that geographical location influenced the content of bee venom as well as the stage of flower harvest when bees consumed them.
Benefits of further analysis of bee venom
Dr Daniela Scaccabarozzi stated that the study helps human health and the lucrative beekeeping industry, where bee venom can fetch up to $300 per gram.
Dr Scaccabarozzi added that more studies would assist beekeepers to collect a standardized grade of venom to satisfy rising demand in clinical and therapeutic sectors. It will also create cost-effective bee venom harvesting techniques to secure the industry’s worldwide position.
Also read: Visuospatial oscillations in Alzheimer’s disease associated cognitive decline
Sources:
- Scaccabarozzi, D., Dods, K., Le, T. T., Gummer, J. P. A., Lussu, M., Milne, L., Campbell, T., Wafujian, B. P., & Priddis, C. (2021). Factors driving the compositional diversity of Apis mellifera bee venom from a Corymbia calophylla (Marri) ecosystem, Southwestern Australia. PLOS ONE, 16(6), e0253838. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253838
- University, C. (n.d.). Angry bees produce better venom. Retrieved August 16, 2021, from https://phys.org/news/2021-08-angry-bees-venom.html
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About the author: Monika Raman is an undergraduate student pursuing her final year B. Tech in Biotechnology. She is an enthusiastic Biotech student aspiring for an opportunity to develop skills and grow professionally in the research field. Extremely motivated and possess strong interpersonal skills.
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