Gut microbiota-driven regulation of queen bee ovarian metabolism

• DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02145-23
• Publication Date: 2023-09-26T13:00:43Z
• Authors: Wan-Li Li; Qi Huang; Jia-Li Li; Ping Wu; Bangrong Wei; Xi-Jie Li; Qi-He Tang; Zhi-Xiang Dong; Jian Xiong; Hong Tang; Jun Zhang; Chong-Hui Zhao; Zhe Cao; Yuan Chen; Wen-zheng Zhao; Kai Wang; Jun Guo
• Keywords: Queen (butterfly)

With the global prevalence of Varroa mites, more and beekeepers resort to confining queen bee in a cage control mite infestation or breed superior robust bees. However, impact such practices on remains largely unknown. Therefore, we subjected bees 21-day egg-laying restriction treatment (from egg stage emergence adult worker bees) analyzed bees' ovarian metabolites gut microbiota after 21 days, aiming assess quality assist better hive management. Our findings revealed significant reduction relative expression levels Vg Hex110 genes ovaries laying-restricted compared unrestricted queens. The diversity exhibited notable decrease, accompanied by corresponding changes core bacteria microbial community, abundance Lactobacillus Bifidobacterium increased from 22.34% 53.14% (P = 0.01) 0.053% 0.580% 0.04), respectively. Bombella decreased 25.85% 1.720% 0.002). Following restriction, activity bee's decreased, while metabolism glycerophospholipids remained stored lipid molecules, awaiting environmental for resume laying promptly. Furthermore, observed that may regulate queen's through tryptophan metabolism. These provide novel insights into interplay among laying, microbiota, IMPORTANCE infestation, often confine cages breeding. is We evaluated restricting analyzing microbiota. In this study, provided comprehensive explanation genes, bee. Through integrated analysis metabolism, discovered can valuable reproductive health Understanding these relationships contribute development strategies