Gene Expression Patterns of Aggression By: Arián Avalos
Background Honey bee social structure is composed of castes with varying degrees of social participation. Worker Sterile Reproductives Queen Drone
Background Aggression vs. Defense Flow: Such as: Predation avoidance>Defensive coordination>Moving day>amongst others
Approach To address this question we look towards gene expression differences in individuals that have experienced an aggravating stimulus vs. those that have not.
Methodology Sting Assay measures response to voltage presentation. 0 V (Avalos et al. 2013, Behav Ecol Sociobiol)
Candidate Genes Hormones Biogenic Amines Melatonin Biogenic Amines Octopamine Receptor (O R1) Dopamine Receptor (DOP R2) Serotonin Receptor (5HT2-alpha) ---- Tryptophan Hydroxylase Oxydative Phosphorylation Pathway ND20-like ND51 Increase in Dopamine ~ increase in aggression Reduction in levels of serotonin = increase aggression Lower levels of octopamine = lower levels of aggression Reduction of OX pathway ~ aggressive state Reduction in Melatonin ~ increased aggression Increasein melatonin receptor = increase in aggression