> Small, non-coding microRNAs have been implicated in many biological processes, including the development of the nervous system. However, the roles of microRNAs in natural behavioral and neuronal plasticity are not as well understood. To help address this we characterized the microRNA transcriptome in the adult worker honey bee head and investigated whether changes in microRNA expression levels in the brain are associated with division of labor among honey bees, a well-established model for socially regulated behavior. We determined that several microRNAs were downregulated in bees that specialize on brood care (nurses) relative to foragers.

Behavioral plasticity in honey bees is associated with differences in brain microRNA transcriptome
Genes, Brain and Behavior. Accepted manuscript. online: 12 MAR 2012

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