Expression Characterization and Localization of the foraging Gene in the Chinese Bee, Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

In social insects, the foraging gene (for) regulates insect age- and task-based foraging behaviors. We studied the expression and localization of the for gene (Acfor) in Apis cerana cerana workers to explore whether the differential regulation of this gene is associated with the behaviors of nurses and foragers. The expression profiles of Acfor in different tissues and at different ages were examined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cellular localization in the brain was detected using in situ hybridization. Acfor transcripts in different ages workers showed that Acfor expression was detected in all the heads of 1- to 30-d-old worker bees. Acfor expression reached a peak at 25 d of age, and then declined with increasing age. The results showed that Acfor gene expression in five tissues was respectively significantly higher in foragers than in nurses. In nurses, the relative expression of Acfor was the highest in the antennae. There was a highly significant difference in expression between antennae, legs, and the other three tissues. In foragers, Acfor expression was the highest in the thorax, which was significantly different from all other tissues. In situ hybridization showed that Acfor was highly expressed in the lamina of the optic lobes, in a central column of Kenyon cells in the mushroom bodies of the brain of workers, and in the antennal lobes. This suggested that Acfor expression affects age-related foraging behavior in Apis cerana cerana, and that it may be related to flight activity.

Exploring the Formation of Chemical Markers in Chaste Honey by Comparative Metabolomics: From Nectar to Mature Honey.

Identification of chemical markers is important to ensure the authenticity of monofloral honey; however, the formation of chemical markers in honey has received little attention. Herein, using comparative metabolomics, we first identified chemical markers in chaste honey and then explored their formation and accumulation from nectar to mature honey. We identified agnuside and p-hydroxybenzoic acid glucosides as chemical markers for chaste honey. Besides, we developed an UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantifying these markers and found that their levels varied significantly across sample sources. We compared the presence of these compounds in chaste nectar and mature honey. The outcomes underscore that these characteristic compounds are not simply delivered from nectar to mature honey, and activities of honeybees (collecting and processing) play a pivotal role in their formation and accumulation. These observations shed light on how mature honey can form its unique qualities with a rich assortment of natural bioactive compounds, potentially supporting health benefits.

Greater wax moth control in apiaries can be improved by combining Bacillus thuringiensis and entrapments.

The greater wax moth (GWM), Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a major bee pest that causes significant damage to beehives and results in economic losses. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) appears as a potential sustainable solution to control this pest. Here, we develop a novel Bt strain (designated BiotGm) that exhibits insecticidal activity against GWM larvae with a LC50 value lower than 2 µg/g, and low toxicity levels to honey bee with a LC50 = 20598.78 µg/mL for larvae and no observed adverse effect concentration = 100 µg/mL for adults. We design an entrapment method consisting of a lure for GWM larvae, BiotGm, and a trapping device that prevents bees from contacting the lure. We find that this method reduces the population of GWM larvae in both laboratory and field trials. Overall, these results provide a promising direction for the application of Bt-based biological control of GWM in beehives, although further optimization remain necessary.

Proteome analysis reveals a strong correlation between olfaction and pollen foraging preference in honeybees.

To gain a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of pollen foraging preference, we characterized the proteomes of antennae and brains of bees foraging on pear and rapeseed flowers, and the volatile compounds from nectar, anther, and inflorescence of both plants. Bees foraging on the pollen of the two plants have shaped the distinct proteome arsenals in the antenna and brain to drive olfactory and brain function. In antennae, bees foraging on pear (PA) pollen pathways associated with protein metabolism were induced to synthesize new proteins for modulation of synaptic structures via stabilizing and consolidating specific memory traces. Whereas, bees foraging on rapeseed (BA) pollen pathways implicated in energy metabolism were activated to provide metabolic fuels critical for neural activity. These findings suggest that the distinct biochemical route is functionally enhanced to consolidate the divergent olfaction in PA and BA. In brain, although the uniquely induced pathways in bees forging on both plants are likely to cement selective roles in learning and memory, pollen foraging preference in bees is mainly drived by olfaction. Furthermore, both plants have shaped different repertoires of signal odors and food rewards to attract pollinators. The suggested markers are potentially useful for selection of bees to improve their olfaction for better pollination of the plants.

Tandem multimer expression and preparation of hypoglycemic peptide MC6 from Momordica charantia in Escherichia coli.

Tandem repeat multimers of Momordica charantia (MC) peptide MC6 were designed and the recombinant plasmid containing 10 copies of MC6 gene was constructed to improve the expression level of MC6 in Escherichia coli. Under the selected conditions of cultivation and induction, the expression level of recombinant TrxA-MC6(10) protein was above 25% of total bacteria protein. This fusion protein was purified and cleaved with HCl (13%, w/v). Either the un-cleaved or cleaved recombinant proteins was analyzed pharmacological activity by alloxan-induced diabetic mice and only the cleaved products of the recombinant protein showed significant hypoglycemic effects. The study provides a convenient and economical method for the large-scale production of anti-diabetic medicines for pharmaceutical applications.