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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #359661
Title: Protective mechanisms during low temperature stress in a solitary bee

Author
item BOWSHER, JULIA - North Dakota State University
item TORSON, ALEX - North Dakota State University
item Yocum, George
item Rinehart, Joe

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2018
Publication Date: 1/3/2019
Citation: Bowsher, J.H., Torson, A.S., Yocum, G.D., Rinehart, J.P. 2019. Protective mechanisms during low temperature stress in a solitary bee [abstract]. The Society for Integrative Comparative Biology Annual Meetings. January 3-7, 2019. Tampa, FL. Paper No. S5-9 . p. 39.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Most temperate insects spend a majority of their lifespan overwintering and change their physiology to protect themselves from the stress of low temperatures. However, prolonged exposure to low temperatures can still cause damage to insect tissues. We explore the molecular mechanisms that contribute to chill injury, and how exposure to periodic warm temperatures can protect from cellular damage using the solitary bee, Megachile rotundata. We found that periodic exposure to warm temperatures up-regulates genes associated with oxidative stress, neural development, and ion homeostasis. Next, we compared these observations during overwintering to a later life-stage that is not physiologically prepared for cold exposure. We found that the protective mechanisms were conserved at the level of the cellular process, but differentially regulated at the transcript level. These results can help inform agricultural management of this bee species and predict response to the temperature fluctuations associated with climate change.