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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Three-dimensional reconstruction of corpora allata nucleus reveals insights into epigenetic mechanisms of caste differentiation in Melipona scutellaris stingless bees

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Author(s):
Schumann, N. A. B. [1] ; Cardoso-Junior, C. A. M. [2] ; Silva, E. H. [3] ; Ueira-Vieira, C. [1] ; Beletti, M. E. [4] ; Franco, M. B. [4] ; Bezerra-Laure, M. [5] ; Araujo, G. R. [1] ; Travencolo, B. A. N. [3] ; Bonetti, A. M. [1]
Total Authors: 10
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Dept Biotecnol, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol Celular Mol & Bioagentes Patogen, BR-14049900 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Fac Comp, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Dept Morfol, Inst Ciancias Biomed, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Genet, BR-14049900 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Apidologie; v. 50, n. 3, p. 330-339, JUL 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

In most Hymenoptera, the caste differentiation is influenced by differential environmental cues (e.g., food), which affect larvae development. However, Melipona stingless bees represent an exception to this rule. Workers and queens can emerge from brood cells of the same size, with the same quantity and quality of food. The different phenotypes of female bees depend on the interaction of genetic and environmental components. This mechanism is driven by the juvenile hormone, a key physiological factor synthetized by the corpora allata glands. In addition to that, epigenetic mechanisms were recently associated with caste development in Melipona scutellaris. In this study, using images captured by confocal microscopy and analyzed by 3D computational reconstruction, we show the similarities and differences in the pattern and volume of heterochromatin in the cell nuclei of corpora allata glands of M. scutellaris. Our results imply that heterochromatin territorial dispersion may act as a major player on the female phenotypic plasticity of M. scutellaris stingless bees. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/09269-3 - Methylome analysis of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) worker ovaries in response to social condition
Grantee:Carlos Antônio Mendes Cardoso Júnior
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
FAPESP's process: 16/15881-0 - Epigenetics and gene expression analysis of the longevity vs. reproduction trade-off in Apis mellifera L. (Apidae, Hymenoptera) queens
Grantee:Carlos Antônio Mendes Cardoso Júnior
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)