Somatic Maintenance Resources in the Honeybee Worker Fat Body Are Distributed to Withstand the Most Life-Threatening Challenges at Each Life Stage

Siri-Christine Seehuus,Randi M Aamodt,Kjell Petersen,Simon Taylor,Christoph Englert

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069870

Abstract

In a global transcriptome analysis of three natural and three manipulated honeybee worker phenotypes at different ages, we have investigated the distribution of investment in somatic maintenance of the fat body. Gene expression is modulated so that the bees are able to resist the most life-threatening challenges at the actual life stage. Different modes of maintenance and repair are regulated, apparently to meet the environmental challenges most detrimental to survival and reproductive potential for the hive. We observed a broad down-regulation of genomic and cellular maintenance in the short-lived foragers and nurse bees compared to the long-lived winter bees. Our results show that survival and reproduction of the entire hive is given priority over the individual bees, hence supporting the idea of the honeybee society as a superorganism. Our results also fit the disposable soma theory of aging.

Highlights

In the insect world a broad array of different forms and degrees of social organisation can be found
In the more highly developed forms, social insect colonies are so tightly integrated that they have been suggested to function as a single organism, a superorganism [1,2,3]
Cluster 2: In this cluster we found nine expressed genes involved in energy gaining processes as well as isocitrate dehydrogenase, involved in the TCA cycle as well as several genes involved in stress response

Summary

Introduction

In the insect world a broad array of different forms and degrees of social organisation can be found. In the more highly developed forms, social insect colonies are so tightly integrated that they have been suggested to function as a single organism, a superorganism [1,2,3]. In the Apis mellifera subspecies in Old World temperate climates, workers spend the first weeks performing in-hive activities like brood care (nurse bees), and switch at age 3–4 weeks to foraging tasks (foragers) [5,6]. Workers emerging in autumn develop into so– called diutinus [7] or winter bees that survive for 8–10 months [8,9,10]. The following spring, winter bees will begin either nursing or foraging, and simultaneously start to age [7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion