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Chemosensing of honeybee parasite, Varroa destructor: Transcriptomic analysis
Nurit Eliash1,2, Nitin K Singh1, Starlin Thangarajan1
1Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
Scientific Reports
|October 14, 2017
Summary
Varroa mites, crucial honeybee parasites, possess chemosensory genes like NPC2, GRs, IRs, SNMPs, and OBPs. A unique IR25a co-receptor homolog is highly expressed in their forelegs, suggesting a role in mite chemosensing.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Chemosensing is vital in nature, but poorly understood in Chelicerata.
- The Varroa destructor mite is a significant honeybee parasite, making it a key model organism.
- The mite's foreleg is considered its primary olfactory organ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a transcriptomic analysis of the Varroa destructor foreleg.
- To identify chemosensory-related genes in two physiological stages of the mite.
- To investigate the potential role of identified genes, particularly IR25a, in mite chemosensing.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic analysis of Varroa destructor foreleg tissues.
- Identification and characterization of chemosensory gene families.
- Differential gene expression analysis between physiological stages and leg pairs.
Main Results:
- Discovery of transcripts for Niemann-Pick disease protein C2 (NPC2), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), and odorant binding proteins (OBPs).
- Absence of insect odorant receptors (ORs) and odorant co-receptors (ORcos) was noted.
- Identification of an IR25a co-receptor homolog with high expression specifically in the mite's forelegs, but not other legs.
Conclusions:
- Varroa destructor utilizes a unique set of chemosensory genes, distinct from typical insect olfactory receptors.
- The identified IR25a-like co-receptor shows potential functional significance in Varroa chemosensation, particularly in the forelegs.
- This study provides insights into the molecular basis of chemosensing in parasitic mites and their interaction with hosts.
