Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the Asian honeybee Apis cerana provides novel insights into honeybee biology.

ABSTRACT: The Asian honeybee Apis cerana is one of two bee species that have been commercially kept with immense economic value. Here we present the analysis of genomic sequence and transcriptomic exploration for A. cerana as well as the comparative genomic analysis of the Asian honeybee and the European honeybee A. mellifera. The genome and RNA-seq data yield new insights into the behavioral and physiological resistance to the parasitic mite Varroa the evolution of antimicrobial peptides, and the genetic basis for labor division in A. cerana. Comparison of genes between the two sister species revealed genes specific to A. cerana, 54.5% of which have no homology to any known proteins. The observation that A. cerana displayed significantly more vigilant grooming behaviors to the presence of Varroa th

SUBMITTER: Diao Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5770391 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature