The role of the fru gene in specifying the behaviors in the honeybee

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin Beye, since 5/2016
• Subject Area: Evolutionary Cell and Developmental Biology (Zoology) ; Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: from 2015 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 289982520

Animal species have their own innate behavioral repertoire in addition to their unique morphology. These innate behaviors enable different species to specifically adapt and flexibly respond to various environments. We have characterized the Am-fru gene in the honeybee. In Drosophila melanogaster, the transcription factor fruitless (fru) is a genetic switch that controls brain differentiation of males, ensuring male sexual behaviors. The Am-fru gene of the honeybee shares some remarkable similarities in its expression pattern with its ortholog in D. melanogaster, suggesting similar functions. Our goal is to investigate the behaviors that are specified in the honeybee during development by the Am-fru gene using a gene editing method. We expect to obtain information about how the complex male behaviors in honeybees evolved and are specified through a genetically encoded program during development.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemalige Antragstellerin: Dr. Christina Vleurinck, until 5/2016