Rhythm generation in honeybees: feeding cycle and period

本项目通过对中华蜜蜂（Apis cerana japonica）周期基因的结构和表达的研究，旨在揭示蜜蜂行为活动时间分化的分子机制，为多物种共存下生物多样性的维持奠定基础。首先，在蜜蜂的昼夜节律的特点进行了调查，使用个别工人和一个群体，是夹带在Zootron。然后利用PCR策略克隆了编码cDNA的周期基因，发现存在四种剪接变异体。为了研究周期mRNA变异体形成的分子机制，分析了蜜蜂的基因组结构，包括内含子的编码周期基因区域。进一步的RT-PCR实验显示了工蜂的组织特异性表达模式。结果表明，除了大脑中的主时钟外，还有一些从属的外围时钟。

In this project structure and expression of period gene in honeybees, Apis cerana japonica were investigated to reveal the molecular mechanism of temporal division of behavioral activity in the field, which is considered to be one of the basis of biodiversity maintenance in the multi-species coexistence. At first the characteristics of circadian rhythm in the honeybee were investigated using individual workers and a colony that was entrained in Zootron. Then period gene encoding cDNA was cloned by use of PCR strategy, and found fours kinds of spliced alternative variants exist. To investigate the molecular mechanism of formation of period m-RNA variants, genomic structure of the honeybee was analysed on the encoding period gene region including introns. Further RT-PCR experiments showed tissue specific expression patterns in worker bees. The results obtained suggested that there are some slave peripheral clocks in addition to the main clock localized in the brain.