Work

Evolution and Adaptations of the Seminal Proteome in an Insect with Traumatic Insemination

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The protein composition of sperm and seminal fluid is key to male fitness. However, we currently lack an understanding of the factors that shape seminal proteome composition. The common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) mates by traumatic insemination, subjecting the ejaculate to a unique selective environment as sperm traverse the female genital and paragenital system. We provide the first high-throughput proteomic characterization of the sperm and seminal fluid proteome in a hemimetabolous insect and the first in-depth proteomic characterization of the male bedbug reproductive system. Our analysis revealed conserved and unique features of the bedbug sperm and seminal fluid proteome possibly linked to traumatic insemination. The sperm proteome showed elevated rates of molecular evolution, unlike most other studied insect species yet also contained many conserved proteins. Notably, we found that bedbugs and other hemimetabolous insects share an expansion of Sperm-leucylaminopeptidases (S-Laps). Using in silico protein-ligand binding predictions, we show that S-Laps have likely retained catalytic activity in bedbugs. Our results provide a foundation for future studies of this expanding global pest.

Source: Molecular & Cellular Proteomics

DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2026.101679

Authors: Martin D. Garlovsky, Oliver Otti, Klaus Reinhardt, Timothy L. Karr

Institutions: Technische Universität Dresden, Arizona State University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Reproduction

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,430

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Technische Universität Dresden