Advisor
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Klaus Hartmann Hartfelder Ms 6Tel.: (16) 3315-3063 Email: klaus@fmrp.usp.br |
General Outline
We study molecular and cellular processes involved in the differentiation of queens and workers in social bees to understand plasticity issues in development.
Research Lines
Honey bees have attracted the attention of several research groups not only for their economic and ecological importance (pollination) but also for having a high potential for genetic studies. Due to its social organization, broad behavioral plasticity, a large number of individuals by colonies, and diversity of molecular techniques, it is possible to study the regulation of gene expression of genes involved in metabolic cascades important for the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and post-embryonic development, and also analyze other molecular mechanisms absent in model organisms, such as DNA methylation, which provide evidence that helps to understand the molecular processes in the social organization of these insects. Our goal is to research processes involved in the control of the differential development of honey bee varieties. Currently, the main focus of our research is on the regulation of gene expression from the differential feeding that occurs between the larvae of queens and workers. The complete sequencing of the Apis mellifera genome allowed functional genomic studies on social organization, phenotypic plasticity, and longevity. Through gene expression analysis with emphasis on oxidative metabolism, epigenetics, and ovarian development, we aim to elucidate key processes of larval development and metamorphosis, describing gene networks that control the development of target tissues. Phenotypic plasticity and the division of labor among adult workers are directly linked to the synthesis of vitellogenin, juvenile hormone titers, and the insulin/TOR signaling module. Using approaches such as RNAi, transcriptome, real-time PCR, Western blot, and microscopy, we aim to understand the interaction between these controlling components of the bee life cycle.
Publications
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