Temperature and livestock grazing trigger transcriptome responses in bumblebees along an elevational gradient.

ABSTRACT: Climate and land-use changes cause increasing stress to pollinators but the molecular pathways underlying stress responses are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the transcriptomic response of Bombus lucorum workers to temperature and livestock grazing. Bumblebees sampled along an elevational gradient, and from differently managed grassland sites (livestock grazing vs unmanaged) in the German Alps did not differ in the expression of genes known for thermal stress responses. Instead, metabolic energy production pathways were upregulated in bumblebees sampled in mid- or high elevations or during cool temperatures. Extensive grazing pressure led to an upregulation of genetic pathways involved in immunoregulation and DNA-repair. We conclude that widespread bumblebees are tolerant towa

SUBMITTER: Brenzinger K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9530833 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature