Expression profile of a Laccase2 encoding gene during the metamorphic molt in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera,Apidae)

Author(s)

Moysés Elias-Neto ^[1] ; Michelle P.M. Soares ^[2] ; Márcia M. G. Bitondi ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Entomologia; v. 57, n. 2, p. 213-216, 2013-05-31.

Abstract

Expression profile of a Laccase2 encoding gene during the metamorphic molt in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae). Metamorphosis in holometabolous insects occurs through two subsequent molting cycles: pupation (metamorphic molt) and adult differentiation (imaginal molt). The imaginal molt in Apis mellifera L. was recently investigated in both histological and physiological-molecular approaches. Although the metamorphic molt in this model bee is extremely important to development, it is not well-known yet. In the current study we used this stage as an ontogenetic scenario to investigate the transcriptional profile of the gene Amlac2, which encodes a laccase with an essential role in cuticle differentiation. Amlac2 expression in epidermis was contrasted with the hemolymph titer of ecdysteroid hormones and with the most evident morphological events occurring during cuticle renewal. RT-PCR semiquantitative analyses using integument samples revealed increased levels of Amlac2 transcripts right after apolysis and during the subsequent pharate period, and declining levels near pupal ecdysis. Compared with the expression of a cuticle protein gene, AmelCPR14, these results highlighted the importance of the ecdysteroid-induced apolysis as an ontogenetic marker of gene reactivation in epidermis for cuticle renewal. The obtained results strengthen the comprehension of metamorphosis in Apis mellifera. In addition, we reviewed the literature about the development of A. mellifera, and emphasize the importance of revising the terminology used to describe honey bee molting cycles. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/09108-6 - Determination of the wing identity in Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera, Blattellidae)
• Grantee: Moysés Elias Neto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 10/16380-9 - Molecular genetics and hormonal regulation of exoskeleton differentiation in an insect model, Apis mellifera
• Grantee: Marcia Maria Gentile Bitondi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 07/08300-2 - Differentiation of adult in corbiculate bees: heterochrony of cuticular morphogenesis and secondary sources of ecdisteroids
• Grantee: Moysés Elias Neto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate