Program of Research Report

Van Vaerenbergh, M. (2013). Honeybee (Apis mellifera) and bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) venom: analysis and immunological importance of the proteome. Ghent University. Faculty of Sciences, Ghent, Belgium. 

This is a PhD thesis that has two parts. The first focused on unraveling the venom composition of A. mellifera and B. terrestris by using genome, transcriptome, and proteome information. The purpose of the work was to advance knowledge about the immunologically uncharacterized venom compounds. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify novel honeybee venom compounds. And the antigen 5-like sequence was investigated to see if it is expressed by the honeybee venom glands. Finally, the scientists tried to confirm the presence of novel identified compounds and the antigen 5-like compound in the venom by analyzing their IgG4-reactivity using sera of immune beekeepers. In chapter 2 the hidden honeybee venom proteome was explored by integrating a combinatorial peptide ligand library venom pre-treatment with FTMS. In chapter 3 the venom proteome of the European buff-tailed bumblebee, B. terrestris, was unraveled using an identical approach. Genome information was used to obtain further insights in the venom composition of both species. In chapter 4 the nature of Api m 10 protein heterogeneity was explored along with its effect on IgE-reactivity using sera of honeybee venom allergic patients.

Russkamp, D., Van Vaerenbergh, M., Etzold, S., Eberlein, B., Darsow, U., Schiener, M., Blank, S. (2018). Characterization of the honeybee venom proteins C1q-like protein and PVF1 and their allergenic potential. TOXICON, 150, 198–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.017 

Singling in on A. mellifera honeybee venom, Van Vaerenbergh co-authored, but not primary authored, a study to further characterize the HBV components C1q-like protein (C1q) and PDGF/VEGF-like factor 1 (PVF1). It is thought that these components have an effect on the eusociality of the Hymenoptera species as well as allergic reactions in sensitized people.  Their allergenic properties were examined by determining the level of specific IgE antibodies in the sera of HBV-allergic patients (n = 26) as well as by their capacity to activate patients' basophils (n = 11). Moreover, the transcript heterogeneity of PVF1 was analyzed. It could be demonstrated that at least three PVF1 variants are present in the venom gland, which all result from alternative splicing of one transcript. Interestingly, both proteins were unable to activate basophils of the patients, questioning their role in the context of clinically relevant sensitization. Recombinant C1q and PVF1 can build the basis for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Hymenoptera venoms.  

de Graaf, D., Regina Brochetto Braga, M., Maria Magalhaes de Abreu, R., Blank, S., Bridts, C. H., De Clerck, L. S., … Van Vaerenbergh, M. (2021). Standard methods for Apis mellifera venom research. JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH, 60(4), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2020.1801073

This is the first paper I could find with Van Vaerenbergh as the last researcher. Again, about honeybee venom, this article talks about the research methods when studying venom. The venom only originates in females as it is a modified ovipositor which is a defining feature of the bee species that belong to a subclade of the Hymenoptera called Aculeata. The paper aims to standardize selected methods for honeybee venom research. It covers different methods of venom collection, characterization and storage. Much attention was also addressed to the determination of the biological activity of the venom and its use in the context of biomedical research, more specifically venom allergy. Finally, the procedure for the assignment of new venom allergens has been presented.  

The first two papers were zooming in, first on honeybees versus carpenter bees and then just on the honeybee which was less generalizable. The third paper standardizes research methods primarily about the honeybee, but I would say it is zoomed out compared to the second paper and zoomed in compared to the first. For his career path, Van Vaerenbergh's first paper is his PhD research, then a paper done a year later with a PhD who he often collaborated with and finally, the third paper most likely took place in his own lab.