Queen pheromone modulates the expression of epigenetic modifier genes in the brain of honeybee workers

Author(s)

Cardoso-Junior, Carlos Antonio Mendes ^{[1, 2]} ; Ronai, Isobel ^[2] ; Hartfelder, Klaus ^[1] ; Oldroyd, Benjamin P. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol Celular & Bioagentes Patogen, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sydney, Behav Ecol & Evolut BEE Lab, Macleay Bldg A12, Sydney, NSW 2006 - Australia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOLOGY LETTERS; v. 16, n. 12 DEC 23 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Pheromones are used by many insects to mediate social interactions. In the highly eusocial honeybee (Apis mellifera), queen mandibular pheromone (QMP) is involved in the regulation of the reproductive and other behaviour of workers. The molecular mechanisms by which QMP acts are largely unknown. Here, we investigate how genes responsible for epigenetic modifications to DNA, RNA and histones respond to the presence of QMP in the environment. We show that several of these genes are upregulated in the honeybee brain when workers are exposed to artificial QMP. We propose that pheromonal communication systems, such as those used by social insects, evolved to respond to environmental signals by making use of existing epigenomic machineries. (AU)

• 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)
• 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)