Análise epigenética e metabólica da diferenciação de castas em Melipona scutellaris

Abstract

In bees from genus Melipona bees, differential feeding is not sufficient to explain female polyphenism. In these bees, in addition to the environmental component (food), a genetic component is required. This mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated and may involve epigenetic events and metabolic regulation in addition to genetic mechanisms. In this context, this work analyzed the expression of the transcripts of the genes coding for the enzymes deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC4 and acetyltransferase KAT2A, the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor 10HDA on caste differentiation and the metabolic profile of larvae and larval food of Melipona scutellaris. The hdac1, hdac4 and kat2a transcripts are expressed at all stages, with fluctuations in stages and casts, and may be related to endocrine regulation. 10HDA was unable to promote differentiation in queens. Larvae and food metabolites are enriched for galactose metabolism. The metabolic profile of larvae may be an indicator of caste/sex and epigenetic modifications. Our results suggest that epigenetic and metabolic regulation act synergistically with hormonal and genetic mechanisms for drive caste differentiation in Melipona.