The Neuropeptide Corazonin Controls Social Behavior and Caste Identity in Ants.

ABSTRACT: Social insects are emerging models to study how gene regulation affects behavior because their colonies comprise individuals with the same genomes but greatly different behavioral repertoires. To investigate the molecular mechanisms that activate distinct behaviors in different castes, we exploit a natural behavioral plasticity in Harpegnathos saltator, where adult workers can transition to a reproductive, queen-like state called gamergate. Analysis of brain transcriptomes during the transition reveals that corazonin, a neuropeptide homologous to the vertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone, is downregulated as workers become gamergates. Corazonin is also preferentially expressed in workers and/or foragers from other social insect species. Injection of corazonin in transitioning Harpegnat

SUBMITTER: Gospocic J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5564227 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature