Effects of Neural Gene Expressions on Grooming Behavior in Honey Bees

Abstract

Grooming behavior, which is one of the behavioral resistance mechanisms based on the genetic basis in honeybees, is a defense response against parasitic mites, especially Varroa mite. In recent years, scientists and beekeepers have focused on bee breeding in terms of grooming behavior, because honey bees showing grooming behavior have the potential to can protect themselves against Varroa destructor. It is of great importance to determine the genes and gene regions related to this behavior before starting the breeding studies in terms of grooming behavior. In this respect, the right honey bee species or races can be selected and the success rate will increase. In researches, it was found that bees exhibit different grooming behaviors level according to species and races. Therefore, some species and races were found to be more successful than others. Especially in neural, developmental, detoxification and health-related gene expression studies, it has been shown that some gene expression is in direct proportion to the intensity of grooming behavior. While the genes responsible for grooming behavior are not known exactly, studies are underway to solve the genetic mechanism of this behavior. In this study, we reviewed the effects of neural gene expression on grooming behavior.