Differential proteomic analysis of frozen tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets with quality characteristics by a tandem mass tag (TMT)-based strategy

A tandem mass tag technology (TMT), based on the quantitative proteomics approach, was applied to investigate the associations between tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillet quality characteristics (pH, color, texture, ice crystal morphology and protein denaturation) and proteome profiles during a 12-month frozen storage period. When compared with the control group (0 day), a total of 175 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were found in tilapia muscle from two frozen storage temperatures (-20 ?C and-40 ?C). Correlation analysis between the DAPs and the quality traits showed that 80 DAPs were correlated closely with the quality traits. The bioinfor-matics analysis revealed that 49, 9 and 2 DAPs were involved in binding proteins, metabolic enzymes and protein turnover, respectively, which were mainly closely associated with color traits and protein denaturation. These results provide a further understanding of the proteome changes and mechanisms of the quality decline of tilapia during frozen storage.

Automated summary

A TMT technology was used to explore the correlation between tilapia fillet quality characteristics and proteome profiles during frozen storage. Results showed 175 differentially abundant proteins were found at different storage temperatures, and 80 of them were closely related to quality traits. Bioinformatics analysis identified proteins involved in binding, metabolism, and protein turnover, mainly associated with color traits and protein denaturation. These findings provide insights into the proteome changes and mechanisms of tilapia quality decline during frozen storage.