Quantification of methil farnesoate epoxidase gene in Apis mellifera corpora allata and its regulation by JH and dietary in adult workers

• Grant number: 07/05324-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2008
• End date: December 31, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Zilá Luz Paulino Simões
• Grantee: Gustavo Conrado Couto Rosa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 05/03926-5 - Functional genomics of Apis mellifera: search for new genes and functional networks in the context of development, different castes and reproduction, AP.TEM

Abstract

Juvenile hormone (JH) is an important factor involved in embryogenesis, development, metamorphosis and reproduction in insects. In honey bee JH is also involved in cast differentiation and age polyethism. JH levels modulation is controlled by corpora allata (CA) synthesis and degradation. Emphasis has been given to JH synthesis for the reason it is believed to be the most important part of all JH regulation process. JH pathway shares metabolic steps with cholesterol, ubiquinone, Heme A and others. The final step in JH III production is executed by methyl farnesoate epoxidase (MFE). The gene coding to MFE was described to Diploptera punctata, Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae. Apis mellifera genome annotation showed eight putative sequences to MFE gene. Here in this project we aim to identify the specific honey bee MFE gene by studying gene expression in CA using real time RT-PCR in different periods of worker and queen development; giving special attention to JH levels. We also intend to study MFE gene regulation using JH treatment in adult workers and feeding them with different diets. (AU)