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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Baton Rouge, Louisiana » Honey Bee Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #388064
Research Project: Using Genetics to Improve the Breeding and Health of Honey Bees

Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research

Title: Differential expression of three dopamine receptors in varroa-resistant honey bees

Author
item Bilodeau, Lanie
item Beaman, Glenda

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/17/2021
Publication Date: 1/23/2022
Citation: Bilodeau, A.L., Beaman, G.D. 2022. Differential expression of three dopamine receptors in varroa-resistant honey bees. Journal of Insect Science. 22(1):1-5. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab109.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab109

Interpretive Summary: Honey bees have multiple ways to control varroa mite infestations. Identification of genes and associated with these mechanisms can help improve selective breeding programs. Dopamine receptors have high potential for involvement in the behaviors and characteristics involved in varroa resistance in honey bees, based on previous research. We assessed the relationship between exposure to mite-infested brood and gene expression of the three honey bee dopamine receptors in bees and stocks with known levels of varroa resistance. Expression of the genes that code for these receptors was elevated in resistant bees after exposure to infested brood. This strongly suggests a role for dopamine receptors in the complex trait of varroa resitance in honey bees. Further characterization and exploration of the relationship of dopamine receptors in varroa-resistant stocks of honey bees is warranted and has high potential for success.

Technical Abstract: Various stocks of honey bees (Apis mellifera) employ multiple mechanisms to control varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestations and identification of genes and markers associated with these mechanisms can improve efficiency of selective breeding programs. Dopamine receptors show promise in this regard, as they are associated with numerous traits in honey bees, have high plasticity, and have been indicated in varroa resistance through QTL analysis. We assessed the relationship between exposure to mite-infested brood and gene expression of the honey bee dopamine receptors, Amdop1, Amdop2, and Amdop3, in bees and stocks with known levels of varroa resistance. Relative mRNA expression levels varied both by honey bee stock and before/after exposure to varroa-infested brood, in 7, 10 and 14 day old bees. Upregulation post-exposure compared to pre-exposed bees was evident for both stocks, at all ages, for Amdop1, Amdop2, and Amdop3, with the exception of 14d Italian bees for Amdop2 and Amdop3. Stock comparison showed upregulation of all three dopamine-like receptors in post-exposure bees of all ages. Differential expression of all three dopamine receptors suggests a role for the dopaminergic system in varroa resistance and suggests that further characterization of these receptors for breeding potential is warranted.