Determination of the Expression Levels of Hym, AmNrx1, and CYP9Q3 Genes in the Anatolian Honey Bee (Apis mellifera anatoliaca)

Abstract

Abstract The Varroa destructor poses a significant threat to honey bees, leading to substantial yield losses and colony declines. Defence behaviour (such as grooming behavior: auto and allogrooming) in honey bees serves as a crucial mechanism against Varroa infestations, but the many genes responsible for this behavior remain unidentified. This study focuses on the expression levels of hymenoptaecin (Hym), neurexin-1 (AmNrx1), and CYP9Q3 which could be associated with defence behavior, in Muğla honey bee ecotype (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) colonies subjected to a against Varroa selection program. Using the qPCR method, researchers analyzed worker bees from 23 control groups and 23 colonies under the selection program. The results revealed a remarkable increase in the expression levels of Hym, AmNrx1, and CYP9Q3 genes in the selected group, with respective fold changes of 2.9, 2.95, and 3.26 compared to the control group (p < 0.01). This finding suggests that selection against Varroa infestations induces alterations in gene expression linked to behaviour related to exposure of Varroa in honey bees. These outcomes propose the potential use of Hym, AmNrx1, and CYP9Q3 genes in preselection for future Varroa-resistant programs in honey bees. The genes used in the study that may be related to this behavior are supported by other studies in the future, they may help create an initial population with advanced defence behaviours (such as autogrooming and allogrooming).