ICOB: miRNAs and the social regulation of behavioral plasticity

复杂的基因网络驱动复杂的表型，如社会行为。最近对一些社会性物种（如蜜蜂和大黄蜂）的基因组测序为从分子角度研究社会性提供了强有力的机会。这个合作项目的重点是分子机制，有助于调节社会昆虫工人之间的分工。研究将探讨microrna在调节两种劳动分工系统中的作用；高度社会化蜜蜂的年龄依赖性劳动分工，以及大黄蜂的体型相关性劳动分工。第一个目标是通过比较两种物种中与劳动分工相关的富含大脑的microrna的变化来研究microrna在行为中的作用。第二个目标是确定影响蜜蜂（而不是大黄蜂）分工的激素信号是否通过蜜蜂特异性microrna的作用介导。第三个目标是通过观察果蝇来确定保守mirna的作用和行为可塑性调节之间的因果关系。蜜蜂和大黄蜂在经济上都很重要，因为它们是多种作物的传粉者。拟议的研究将导致更好地理解控制蜜蜂行为的机制，特别是动物觅食行为。这些研究也将提供广泛的培训机会。高中生和本科生，包括代表性不足的少数民族，将接受收集行为、分子和生理数据、分析数据以及在地方和国家会议上发表科学报告的培训。此外，该项目将为博士后提供一个很好的指导机会，博士后将领导该研究。最后，这种国际合作将促进美国和以色列研究机构之间的研究联系，这将包括为两个实验室的人员提供互惠的国际培训机会。

Elaborate genetic networks drive complex phenotypes such as social behaviors. The recent sequencing of genomes of several social species such as the honey bee and the bumblebee provide powerful opportunities to study sociality in molecular terms. This collaborative project focuses on molecular mechanisms that contribute to the regulation of division of labor among social insects workers. Studies will investigate the role of microRNAs in regulating two systems of division of labor; age-dependent division of labor in highly social honey bees, and size-related division of labor in bumblebees. The first goal is to investigate the role of miRNAs in behavior by comparing changes in brain-enriched microRNAs that are associated with division of labor in both species. The second goal is to determine whether hormonal signals that affect division of labor in honey bees, but not bumblebees, are mediated via the action of honey bee specific microRNAs. The third goal is to establish causation between the action of conserved miRNAs and the regulation of behavioral plasticity by looking in the fruit fly, Drosophila. Both honey bees and bumblebees are economically important due to their unique roles as pollinators of diverse crops. The proposed studies will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms that govern bee behavior in particular, and animal foraging behaviors in general. These studies will also provide extensive training opportunities. High school and undergraduate students, including underrepresented minorities, will be trained in collecting behavioral, molecular, and physiological data, their analyses, and in scientific presentations at local and national meetings. Furthermore, this project will serve as an excellent mentorship opportunity for the postdoctoral fellow who will lead the studies. Finally, this international collaboration will foster research ties between American and Israeli research institutions, which will include reciprocal international training opportunities for personnel from both labs.