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Simple inheritance, complex regulation: Supergene-mediated fire ant queen polymorphism.

Samuel V Arsenault1, Joanie T King1,2, Sasha Kay1

  • 1Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.

Molecular Ecology
|August 5, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Fire ant social behavior is controlled by a large supergene. This study reveals how this supergene and the social environment impact gene expression in queens, uncovering key genetic factors for social polymorphism.

Keywords:
fire antpolygynysupergenetranscriptomics

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) social structure varies between single-queen (monogyne) and multiple-queen (polygyne) nests.
  • This social polymorphism is regulated by a large, rarely recombining supergene on a
  • social chromosome
  • spanning over 13 Mb and containing hundreds of genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the social chromosome supergene influences gene expression in fire ant queens.
  • To understand the interplay between genotype and social environment in shaping queen physiology and behavior.

Main Methods:

  • RNA-sequencing was performed on the brains and ovaries of fire ant queens during their nuptial flights.
  • Queens were sampled based on their social chromosome genotype and natal colony social form (monogyne vs. polygyne).

Main Results:

  • Both natal social form (developmental environment) and social chromosome genotype significantly affected gene expression profiles.
  • Observed supergene-associated gene upregulation, allele-specific expression, and trans-regulatory effects.
  • Differential and allele-specific expression patterns varied spatially within the supergene region.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a complex gene regulatory landscape shaped by the divergence of the supergene.
  • Identified distinct gene expression patterns associated with the supergene at the onset of queen reproductive life.
  • These findings provide insights into the genetic factors underlying fire ant social syndromes.