Epigenetic Influences on the Honey Bee Transcriptome and Behavior

DNA的修饰而不改变基因序列，称为表观遗传效应，在基因表达中起着重要作用，并允许生物体适应其环境。 在神经系统中，这些DNA的非编码变化，例如添加甲基，可以影响行为和学习。 在蜜蜂中发现，攻击行为显示出父系效应，这表明遗传自父亲的一些基因的表达水平与遗传自母亲的基因不同，这可能是由于DNA的修饰。 有理论认为，在社会性昆虫中，基因表达的亲本效应可能更常见，因为家庭有一个母亲和许多父亲，这些效应可能在蜜蜂的许多社会行为中发挥作用。 该项目将使用来自特定遗传杂交的蜜蜂家族中的基因产物的测序，以确定哪些蜜蜂基因的表达受到它们是从母亲还是父亲遗传的影响。 这些结果将有助于识别影响特定行为（如攻击性）的基因，并更好地了解动物的表观遗传过程。蜜蜂是我们粮食作物的重要授粉者，更好地了解蜜蜂的行为对养蜂业很重要。此外，该项目还将培养一名博士后研究员、本科生和研究生，掌握尖端遗传技术，从而培养这种重要益虫的未来研究人员。还将通过网站和大众媒体向公众提供信息。

Modifications of DNA without any change to the sequence of genes known as epigenetic effects, play important roles in gene expression and allow an organism to adapt to its environment. In the nervous system these non-coding changes to DNA, such as addition of a methyl group, can affect behavior and learning. In the honey bee it was found that aggressive behavior shows a paternal effect, suggesting that some genes inherited from the father are expressed at a different level than genes that are inherited from the mother possibly due to modifications of the DNA. It has been theorized that parent-of-origin effects on gene expression may be more common in social insects because families have one mother and many fathers, and these effects may play a role in many social behaviors in honey bees. This project will use sequencing of gene products in families of bees from specific genetic crosses to determine which honey bee genes have expression that is influenced by whether they are inherited from the mother or the father. The results will aid in the identification of genes that influence specific behaviors such as aggression and provide a better understanding of epigenetic processes in animals. Honey bees are important pollinators for our food crops and a greater understanding of honey bee behavior is important to apiculture. Additionally this project will train a postdoctoral researcher, undergraduate and graduate students in cutting edge genetic techniques thus producing future researchers for this important beneficial insect. Information will also be provided to the public through websites and the popular press.