Functional dissociation of octopamine and tyramine receptors in regulationg honey bee division of labour

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The aim of the proposed project is to dissociate the roles of octopamine and tyramine receptors in regulating division of labour in honey bees. A prominent current hypothesis assumes that division of labour is based on individual differences in response thresholds for task-related stimuli. Therefore, we will analyse in detail the function of the amine receptors in controlling sensory responsiveness. To achieve these goals, four objectives are put forward.OBJECTIVE 1 is to determine the relationships between the expression of octopamine and tyramine receptor genes, octopamine and tyramine titres in brain compartments, sensory response thresholds and division of labour.OBJECTIVE 2 is to determine if octopamine and tyramine receptor gene expression is a dynamic and reversible function of social role in honey bees.OBJECTIVE 3 is to determine if interference with genes encoding for octopamine and tyramine receptors affects sensory response thresholds and division of labour.OBJECTIVE 4 is to analyse the role of social stimuli for division of labour and the biogenic amine system.These experiments will reveal the interplay of octopamine and tyramine receptors in regulating sensory responsiveness and division of labour in honey bees. They will be the first to differentiate the roles of individual octopamine and tyramine receptors in the social organization of insect societies.