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

Autor(es)

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

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[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

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: BIOLOGY LETTERS; v. 16, n. 12 DEC 23 2020.
• Citações Web of Science: 1

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/15881-0 - Análises epigenéticas e expressão gênica do trade-off (longevidade x reprodução) de rainhas em Apis mellifera L. (Apidae, Hymenoptera)
• Beneficiário: Carlos Antônio Mendes Cardoso Júnior
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 17/09269-3 - Análises do metiloma de ovários de operárias Apis mellifera L. em diferentes condições sociais
• Beneficiário: Carlos Antônio Mendes Cardoso Júnior
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Exterior - Estágio de Pesquisa - Doutorado Direto