Differential proteomic analysis using a tandem-mass-tag-based strategy to identify proteins associated with the quality indicators of Penaeus vannamei after high-pressure treatment

Abstract

To investigate the effect of high-pressure treatment on the quality of Penaeus vannamei, tandem-mass-tag (TMT)-labeled, quantitative proteomic technology was applied. After different high-pressure (HP) treatments were performed, 1,118,053 spectra were obtained, 2239 quantifiable proteins were found, and 169 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared with the untreated group. With DEPs, gene ontology annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein–protein interaction analyses were applied. The quality traits and the gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that 400 MPa was more effective in maintaining the functions of protein and preserving shrimp quality than the 200 MPa and 600 MPa treatments. Correlation analysis between DEPs and quality traits showed that 113 DEPs were closely correlated with color and texture. Of these, hemolymph, hemocyanin, and several proteins might be protein markers for color; cathepsin l and collagen were good predictors of textural properties of shrimp muscle. This study explains the mechanism of quality changes in white shrimp under high pressure from a proteomics perspective, which has potential scientific significance and practical value for improving the quality of the product.