Abstract
Studies of animal communication systems have revealed that the perception of a salient signal can cause large-scale changes in brain gene expression, but little is known about how communication affects the neurogenomic state of the sender. We explored this issue by studying honey bees that produce a vibratory modulatory signal. We chose this system because it represents an extreme case of animal communication; some bees perform this behavior intensively, effectively acting as communication specialists. We show large differences in patterns of brain gene expression between individuals producing vibratory signal as compared with carefully matched non-senders. Some of the differentially regulated genes have previously been implicated in the performance of other motor activities, including courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster and Parkinson's Disease in humans. Our results demonstrate for the first time a neurogenomic brain state associated with sending a communication signal and provide suggestive glimpses of molecular roots for motor control.
Highlights
Communication is necessary for many forms of cooperative behavior
Do individuals that send a communication signal exhibit specific neurogenomic states relative to conspecifics that are not engaged in communication? Such states might reflect the tendency to engage in communication, the effects of sending a signal, or both
Genomic analyses of communication signal senders has not kept apace with analyses of receivers, and it is not known whether sending a communication signal is associated with comparably large-scale effects on brain gene expression. We examined this issue by studying brain gene expression associated with ‘‘vibration signal’’ communication in honey bees
Summary
It is well established that perception of a speciesspecific communication signal elicits strong changes in brain gene expression that are associated with subsequent changes in behavior. This has been shown in mammals [1,2,3,4], songbirds [5], cichlid [6], and swordtail fish [7] and honey bees [8,9]. Do individuals that send a communication signal exhibit specific neurogenomic states relative to conspecifics that are not engaged in communication? Such states might reflect the tendency to engage in communication, the effects of sending a signal, or both Do individuals that send a communication signal exhibit specific neurogenomic states relative to conspecifics that are not engaged in communication? Such states might reflect the tendency to engage in communication, the effects of sending a signal, or both
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
