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A Gland of Many Uses: a Diversity of Compounds in the Labial Glands of the Bumble Bee Bombus impatiens Suggests Multiple Signaling Functions. J Chem Ecol 2022; 48:270-282. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-022-01348-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Is the Salivary Gland Associated with Honey Bee Recognition Compounds in Worker Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)? J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:650-657. [PMID: 29876722 PMCID: PMC6096523 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) function as recognition compounds with the best evidence coming from social insects such as ants and honey bees. The major exocrine gland involved in hydrocarbon storage in ants is the post-pharyngeal gland (PPG) in the head. It is still not clearly understood where CHCs are stored in the honey bee. The aim of this study was to investigate the hydrocarbons and esters found in five major worker honey bee (Apis mellifera) exocrine glands, at three different developmental stages (newly emerged, nurse, and forager) using a high temperature GC analysis. We found the hypopharyngeal gland contained no hydrocarbons nor esters, and the thoracic salivary and mandibular glands only contained trace amounts of n-alkanes. However, the cephalic salivary gland (CSG) contained the greatest number and highest quantity of hydrocarbons relative to the five other glands with many of the hydrocarbons also found in the Dufour’s gland, but at much lower levels. We discovered a series of oleic acid wax esters that lay beyond the detection of standard GC columns. As a bee’s activities changed, as it ages, the types of compounds detected in the CSG also changed. For example, newly emerged bees have predominately C19-C23n-alkanes, alkenes and methyl-branched compounds, whereas the nurses’ CSG had predominately C31:1 and C33:1 alkene isomers, which are replaced by a series of oleic acid wax esters in foragers. These changes in the CSG were mirrored by corresponding changes in the adults’ CHCs profile. This indicates that the CSG may have a parallel function to the PPG found in ants acting as a major storage gland of CHCs. As the CSG duct opens into the buccal cavity the hydrocarbons can be worked into the comb wax and could help explain the role of comb wax in nestmate recognition experiments.
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Fujita T, Kozuka-Hata H, Hori Y, Takeuchi J, Kubo T, Oyama M. Shotgun proteomics deciphered age/division of labor-related functional specification of three honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) exocrine glands. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191344. [PMID: 29447197 PMCID: PMC5813902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) uses various chemical signals produced by the worker exocrine glands to maintain the functioning of its colony. The roles of worker postcerebral glands (PcGs), thoracic glands (TGs), and mandibular glands (MGs) and the functional changes they undergo according to the division of labor from nursing to foraging are not as well studied. To comprehensively characterize the molecular roles of these glands in workers and their changes according to the division of labor of workers, we analyzed the proteomes of PcGs, TGs, and MGs from nurse bees and foragers using shotgun proteomics technology. We identified approximately 2000 proteins from each of the nurse bee or forager glands and highlighted the features of these glands at the molecular level by semiquantitative enrichment analyses of frequently detected, gland-selective, and labor-selective proteins. First, we found the high potential to produce lipids in PcGs and MGs, suggesting their relation to pheromone production. Second, we also found the proton pumps abundant in TGs and propose some transporters possibly related to the saliva production. Finally, our data unveiled candidate enzymes involved in labor-dependent acid production in MGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Fujita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (TF); (MO)
| | - Hiroko Kozuka-Hata
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hori
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Takeuchi
- Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Kubo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Oyama
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (TF); (MO)
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Poiani SB, Cruz-Landim CD. Comparison and correlation between chemical profiles of cephalic salivary glands and cuticle surface of workers of Apis mellifera(Hymenoptera, Apidae). CAN J ZOOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cuticle surface of insects displays functions in communication, such as recognition. It is known that oenocytes are responsible for the origin of the compounds found in the epicuticle. Secretion of exocrine glands might be added to the original composition during the insect’s life. The aims of the present study were (i) to quantify and to qualify the chemical compounds in cephalic salivary glands (CSG) and cuticle surface of workers of Apis mellifera L., 1758; (ii) to compare chemical profiles of both gland and cuticle; (iii) to verify if the epicuticular and CSG profile compositions allow separation of the workers into phase-related groups. Glands and wings of newly emerged workers, nurses, and foragers were analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The results have shown that the main compounds in both were hydrocarbons. The Mantel correspondence analysis showed that there was relatively strong correspondence between CSG and cuticular surface in all groups, mainly nurses and foragers. From a total of 37 detected compounds, 29 were the same in both compartments. The results indicated that the gland secretion might be used to replenish the cuticular compounds. In conclusion, glands and cuticle profiles were phase-related and the CSG may be a potential auxiliary source of cuticular hydrocarbon replenishment in the studied species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana B. Poiani
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo CEP 13506-900, Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo CEP 13506-900, Brasil
| | - Carminda da Cruz-Landim
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo CEP 13506-900, Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo CEP 13506-900, Brasil
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Amsalem E, Kiefer J, Schulz S, Hefetz A. The effect of caste and reproductive state on the chemistry of the cephalic labial glands secretion of Bombus terrestris. J Chem Ecol 2014; 40:900-12. [PMID: 25119875 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-014-0484-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cephalic labial glands are well developed in many bee species. In bumble bee males, they cover most of the head volume, and their secretion is used in marking reproductive territories and attracting virgin queens. In females, however, they are poorly studied. Here, we present chemical analyses of their secretion in queens and workers of Bombus terrestris under various social conditions. The secretion revealed a context-dependent composition with sterile females possessing large amounts of fatty acid dodecyl esters, ranging from dodecyl hexanoate to dodecyl oleate, compared to small amounts in fertile females. Significant reduction in the dodecyl esters also was found in queens at the competition phase, where worker reproduction, aggression, and gyne differentiation occur. The exclusive production of esters by sterile individuals also is typical of Dufour's gland secretion in this species, albeit in this case these are octyl rather than dodecyl esters, and the differences between sterile and fertile individuals are qualitative rather than quantitative. We propose that the labial gland esters provide yet another signal of reproductive inactivity. In virgin queens, it may signal that egg laying is deferred to the next season, while in workers it reinforces the message "I am sterile and out of the reproductive competition". Whether the reduction in dodecyl esters in fertile queens as a function of colony social development is involved in regulating gyne production and the onset of the competition phase is yet to be deciphered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etya Amsalem
- Department of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel,
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Feng M, Fang Y, Han B, Zhang L, Lu X, Li J. Novel aspects of understanding molecular working mechanisms of salivary glands of worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) investigated by proteomics and phosphoproteomics. J Proteomics 2013; 87:1-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Fujita T, Kozuka-Hata H, Ao-Kondo H, Kunieda T, Oyama M, Kubo T. Proteomic Analysis of the Royal Jelly and Characterization of the Functions of its Derivation Glands in the Honeybee. J Proteome Res 2012; 12:404-11. [DOI: 10.1021/pr300700e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Fujita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate
School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kozuka-Hata
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ao-Kondo
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Takekazu Kunieda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate
School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masaaki Oyama
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Takeo Kubo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate
School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Johnson BR, Tsutsui ND. Taxonomically restricted genes are associated with the evolution of sociality in the honey bee. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:164. [PMID: 21447185 PMCID: PMC3072959 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have shown that taxonomically restricted genes are significant in number and important for the evolution of lineage specific traits. Social insects have gained many novel morphological and behavioral traits relative to their solitary ancestors. The task repertoire of an advanced social insect, for example, can be 40-50 tasks, about twice that of a solitary wasp or bee. The genetic basis of this expansion in behavioral repertoire is still poorly understood, and a role for taxonomically restricted genes has not been explored at the whole genome level. Results Here we present comparative genomics results suggesting that taxonomically restricted genes may have played an important role in generating the expansion of behavioral repertoire associated with the evolution of eusociality. First, we show that the current honey bee official gene set contains about 700 taxonomically restricted genes. These are split between orphans, genes found only in the Hymenoptera, and genes found only in insects. Few of the orphans or genes restricted to the Hymenoptera have been the focus of experimental work, but several of those that have are associated with novel eusocial traits or traits thought to have changed radically as a consequence of eusociality. Second, we predicted that if taxonomically restricted genes are important for generating novel eusocial traits, then they should be expressed with greater frequency in workers relative to the queen, as the workers exhibit most of the novel behavior of the honey bee relative to their solitary ancestors. We found support for this prediction. Twice as many taxonomically restricted genes were found amongst the genes with higher expression in workers compared to those with higher expression in queens. Finally, we compiled an extensive list of candidate taxonomically restricted genes involved in eusocial evolution by analyzing several caste specific gene expression data sets. Conclusions This work identifies a large number of candidate taxonomically restricted genes that may have played a role in eusocial evolution. This work thus lays the foundation for future functional genomics work on the evolution of novelty in the context of social behavior. We also present preliminary evidence, based on biased patterns of gene expression, that taxonomically restricted genes may have played a role in the evolution of caste systems, a characteristic lineage specific social trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Johnson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management University of California, Berkeley 137 Mulford Hall, MC3114 Berkeley, CA 94720-3114 USA.
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Jerković I, Marijanović Z, Ljubicić I, Gugić M. Contribution of the bees and combs to honey volatiles: blank-trial probe for chemical profiling of honey biodiversity. Chem Biodivers 2010; 7:1217-30. [PMID: 20491078 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200900100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This research is focused on the immediate contribution of the bees and combs to honey volatiles in order to exclude these compounds as botanical-origin biomarkers for honey authentification. Therefore, the bees were closed in a hive containing empty combs under controlled food-flow conditions (saccharose solution). The obtained 'saccharose honey' probe samples were subjected to ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE), followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses (GC and GC/MS). A total of 66 compounds were identified. Higher alcohols made up ca. 50% of the total volatiles, mainly (Z)-octadec-9-en-1-ol, hexadecan-1-ol, and octadecan-1-ol, with minor percentages of undecan-1-ol, dodecan-1-ol, tetradecan-1-ol, pentadecan-1-ol, and heptadecan-1-ol. Other abundant compounds were saturated long-chain linear hydrocarbons, C(10)-C(25), C(27), and C(28), particularly C(23), C(25), and C(27)). Identified chemical structures were related to the composition of combs and cuticular waxes, and less to the bee pheromones. In addition, the impact of two-hour heat treatment at 80 degrees and one-year storage at room temperature on the same probe was investigated in order to identify thermal and storage artefacts. These findings can be considered as blank-trial probe (no plant source) for honey chemical profiling and identification of reliable botanical origin biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Jerković
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, N. Tesle 10/V, HR-21000, Split.
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Functional analysis of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) salivary system using proteomics. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 397:740-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 06/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Morphological changes in the cephalic salivary glands of females and males of Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona postica (Hymenoptera, Apidae). J Biosci 2010; 35:249-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-010-0029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Strohm E, Herzner G, Goettler W. A 'social' gland in a solitary wasp? The postpharyngeal gland of female European beewolves (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2007; 36:113-122. [PMID: 18089092 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2006.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2006] [Revised: 08/18/2006] [Accepted: 08/24/2006] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Exocrine glands play an important role in maintaining the integrity of colonies of social Hymenoptera. The postpharyngeal gland (PPG) of ants is crucial for the generation of a nest odour that enables nestmate recognition. The evolutionary history of this gland is unknown and it was thought to be restricted to ants. Here we describe an exocrine head gland in females of a solitary crabronid wasp, the European beewolf, Philanthus triangulum, that resembles the PPG of ants in many respects. The newly described gland has the same location and the same glove like shape as in ants, and it also has a monolayered epithelium with similar ultrastructure. Unlike in ants, the epithelium bears hairs that reach into the lumen of the gland. Although the PPG of beewolves serves a completely different function it is also associated to an allogrooming behaviour as in ants. Based on these morphological and behavioural similarities as well as similarities in the chemical composition of the content of the PPG of both taxa, we hypothesise that the PPGs of ants and beewolves have a common evolutionary origin. Thus, our results suggest that the PPG in ants might not have evolved in response to social requirements but might have already existed in solitary predecessors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhard Strohm
- Department of Zoology, University of Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany.
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Dearden PK. Germ cell development in the Honeybee (Apis mellifera); vasa and nanos expression. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2006; 6:6. [PMID: 16503992 PMCID: PMC1388196 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-6-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2005] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Studies of specification of germ-cells in insect embryos has indicated that in many taxa the germ cells form early in development, and their formation is associated with pole plasm, germ plasm or an organelle called the oosome. None of these morphological features associated with germ cell formation have been identified in the Honeybee Apis mellifera. In this study I report the cloning and expression analysis of Honeybee homologues of vasa and nanos, germ cell markers in insects and other animals. Results Apis vasa and nanos RNAs are present in early honeybee embryos, but the RNAs clear rapidly, without any cells expressing these germ cell markers past stage 2. These genes are then only expressed in a line of cells in the abdomen from stage 9 onwards. These cells are the developing germ cells that are moved dorsally by dorsal closure and are placed in the genital ridge. Conclusion This study of the expression of germ cell markers in the honeybee implies that in this species either germ cells are formed by an inductive event, late in embryogenesis, or they are formed early in development in the absence of vasa and nanos expression. This contrasts with germ cell development in other members of the Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Dearden
- Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Slessor KN, Winston ML, Le Conte Y. Pheromone communication in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.). J Chem Ecol 2005; 31:2731-45. [PMID: 16273438 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-005-7623-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2004] [Revised: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 07/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated a remarkable and unexpected complexity in social insect pheromone communication, particularly for honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). The intricate interactions characteristic of social insects demand a complex language, based on specialized chemical signals that provide a syntax that is deeper in complexity and richer in nuance than previously imagined. Here, we discuss this rapidly evolving field for honeybees, the only social insect for which any primer pheromones have been identified. Novel research has demonstrated the importance of complexity, synergy, context, and dose, mediated through spatial and temporal pheromone distribution, and has revealed an unprecedented wealth of identified semiochemicals and functions. These new results demand fresh terminology, and we propose adding "colony pheromone" and "passenger pheromone" to the current terms sociochemical, releaser, and primer pheromone to better encompass our growing understanding of chemical communication in social insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith N Slessor
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
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