Expression Analysis of Eater and Vitellogenin genes against Nosema ceranae infection across honey bee races

Ecological Immunity Workshop 2022-Resistance, tolerance & symbionts, Berlin, Almanya, 7 - 11 Eylül 2022, ss.35

Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite that infects adult honey bees (Apis mellifera)

at both the individual and colony level worldwide. Our present work provided the evidence

of the host immune reaction of different honey bee races when exposed to N. ceranae under

laboratory conditions. In this study, the expression levels were measured for ‘eater’ gene

which is a transmembrane protein involved cellular immunity and gene encoding female-

specific protein ‘vitellogenin’ in five honey bee races when inoculated by N. ceranae. The

honey bee races included in the study showed variation in their abilities to generate eater

and vitellogenin as well as antimicrobial peptides. Substantial decrease in eater transcript

levels was determined six days after treatment with N. ceranae in this study. N. ceranae

injection augmented vitellogenin expression levels in strong correlation with N. ceranae

transcripts in Carniolan and Syrian races and induced weak expression of vitellogenin in other

races. The information gathered from this study will serve a scientific background to

understand the host-Nosema interactions for efficient treatment and management of the

disease. Thus, focusing on the immune defense mechanisms of honey bees may actually

boost the resilience and sustainability of honey bees.