Alternative splicing associated with phenotypic plasticity in the bumble bee Bombus terrestris

Area of Science:

• * Molecular Biology
• * Evolutionary Biology
• * Entomology

Background:

• * Phenotypic plasticity allows a single genome to produce diverse phenotypes.
• * Social insect caste systems exemplify phenotypic plasticity.
• * Previous research focused on gene expression, overlooking alternative splicing.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the role of alternative splicing in phenotypic plasticity in the buff-tailed bumble bee (Bombus terrestris).
• * To identify genes and isoform switching events related to caste and development.

Main Methods:

• * Analysis of gene expression data in Bombus terrestris.
• * Quantification of alternative splicing events across developmental stages (larvae, pupae) and adult castes (reproductive females, non-reproductive females, males).
• * Identification of isoform switching genes.

Main Results:

• * 40% of Bombus terrestris genes (5,458) express multiple isoforms.
• * Splicing events increase from larval to pupal stages and differ significantly between adult castes, particularly males.
• * 455 isoform switching genes were identified, including those in the ecdysteroid pathway, crucial for insect behavior.

Conclusions:

• * Alternative splicing is a significant contributor to phenotypic plasticity in bumble bees, beyond differential gene expression.
• * Isoform switching plays a role in differentiating developmental stages and adult castes.
• * Findings suggest alternative splicing influences insect behavior via pathways like the ecdysteroid system.