21349120
not annotated - annotated - LINNAEUS only
Neuropeptide Y-like signalling and nutritionally mediated gene expression and behaviour in the honey bee.
Previous research has led to the idea that derived traits can arise through the evolution of novel roles for conserved genes. We explored whether neuropeptide Y (NPY)-like signalling, a conserved pathway that regulates food-related behaviour, is involved in a derived, nutritionally-related trait, the division of labour in worker honey bees. Transcripts encoding two NPY-like peptides were expressed in separate populations of brain neurosecretory cells, consistent with endocrine functions. NPY-related genes were upregulated in the brains of older foragers compared with younger bees performing brood care ('nurses'). A subset of these changes can be attributed to nutrition, but neuropeptide F peptide treatments did not influence sugar intake. These results contrast with recent reports of more robust associations between division of labour and the related insulin-signalling pathway and suggest that some elements of molecular pathways associated with feeding behaviour may be more evolutionarily labile than others.
Ann file
T1 Species 95 104 honey bee
N1 Reference T1 Taxonomy:7460 Apis mellifera
T2 Species 439 449 honey bees
N2 Reference T2 Taxonomy:7460 Apis mellifera
T3 Species 690 694 bees
N3 Reference T3 Taxonomy:7460 Apis mellifera