1. Gene Expression Patterns of Aggression
By: Arián Avalos

2. Background
Honey bee social structure is composed of castes with varying degrees of social participation.
Worker
Sterile
Reproductives
Queen
Drone

3. Background Aggression vs. Defense Flow:
Such as: Predation avoidance>Defensive coordination>Moving day>amongst others

4. Approach
To address this question we look towards gene expression differences in individuals that have experienced an aggravating stimulus vs. those that have not.

5. Methodology Sting Assay measures response to voltage presentation. 0 V
(Avalos et al. 2013, Behav Ecol Sociobiol)

6. 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