Differential proteomic analysis of Trichoplusia ni cells after continuous selection with activated Cry1Ac toxin

Development of insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins threatens the sustained successful application of Bt-based biological control tactics. Multi-mechanisms of resistance have been proposed, such as alteration of toxin-binding proteins, changes of proteases in midgut and so on. The other responses of the Cry1Ac-selected insects might also contribute to the evolution of resistance. Here, the Cry1Ac-selected Trichoplusia ni TnH5 cells with high resistance were subjected to analysis of proteome and the differentially expressed proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. The differential proteins included transporter, molecular chaperon, structural molecules and many other molecules involved in protein metabolism, signal transduction, nucleotide binding, lipid biosynthesis, carbohydrates metabolism and energy production, suggesting that a complex mechanisms involved in the development of insect resistance to Bt Cry1Ac toxins at cellular levels. The decrease of protein synthesis, changes of signal transduction, more rapid energy production, the enhanced lipid synthesis and the decline of possible Cry1Ac-binding proteins in cytoplasm and other events might contribute to the development of resistance in the selected cells. Our results provide some new cues for understanding the mechanism of Bt resistance.