Age- and task-dependent foraging gene expression in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris
Julie Tobback1, Veerle Mommaerts, Hans Peter Vandersmissen
1Department of Biology, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium. julie.tobback@bio.kuleuven.be
Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
|December 8, 2010
Summary
Foraging gene (for) expression in bumblebees is linked to division of labor and age. Pesticide exposure can decrease for expression, impacting foraging behavior and shifting colony tasks.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Molecular Biology
- Insect Physiology
Background:
- Division of labor in eusocial insects is linked to gene expression and protein kinase G (PKG) activity.
- The foraging (for) gene encodes PKG, a crucial enzyme in social insect behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of the Btfor gene in bumblebee division of labor.
- Examine the effects of insecticides on Btfor expression and foraging behavior.
Main Methods:
- Cloned the Btfor gene from Bombus terrestris for phylogenetic analysis.
- Measured Btfor gene expression in relation to bee size, age, and task.
- Assessed the impact of imidacloprid and kinoprene on Btfor expression and ovarian growth.
Main Results:
- Btfor expression was higher in larger foragers than smaller nurses.
- Btfor expression decreased with age in both nurses and foragers.
- Kinoprene, but not imidacloprid, decreased Btfor expression and stimulated ovarian growth.
Conclusions:
- Btfor gene expression is associated with division of labor and age in bumblebees.
- Pesticides can disrupt foraging behavior by altering Btfor expression and physiological state.
