Longevity and phenotypic plasticity in ants: a functional genomic approach based on genome sequencing and oligonucleotide microarrays

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The complex caste system and social life of ants forms the basis of their tremendous ecological success, but little is known about the underlying genetic determinants. Present functional genomic studies focus on the domesticated honeybee, a social insect with a rather special life history. In ants, extensive genomic resources are currently developed for several species, which, however, lack the properties of ideal model systems and usually cannot be bred under controlled conditions. We therefore propose to establish the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior as a model system in functional genomic research of social evolution, and, more generally, phenotypic plasticity, life history evolution, and senescence. Cardiocondyla colonies are small, their generation time is short, and males and females readily mate and produce offspring in captivity, which allows maintaining inbred lines. We propose to sequence the genome of C. obscurior and to develop oligonucleotide microarrays. Of the multitude of attractive and topical projects arising from the availability of these resources we intend to focus on two particular promising projects: first, the peculiar reversed trade-off between reproduction and aging in social insects, and second, the phenotypic plasticity of both female and male sexuals. Both studies will be of importance not only for our understanding of social evolution but also for the evolution of life spans and polyphenism.