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Subject:
From:
Juanse Barros <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 21 Aug 2012 01:12:13 -0400
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http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/06/13/1202970109.abstract

Functional diversity within the simple gut microbiota of the honey bee
Philipp Engela,1, Vincent G. Martinsonb, and Nancy A. Morana,1
+ Author Affiliations

aDepartment of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New
Haven, CT 06520; and
bCenter for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
Edited by Gene E. Robinson, University of Illinois at
Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL, and approved May 21, 2012 (received for
review February 27, 2012)

Abstract

Animals living in social communities typically harbor a characteristic
gut microbiota important for nutrition and pathogen defense.
Accordingly, in the gut of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, a
distinctive microbial community, composed of a taxonomically
restricted set of species specific to social bees, has been
identified. Despite the ecological and economical importance of honey
bees and the increasing concern about population declines, the role of
their gut symbionts for colony health and nutrition is unknown. Here,
we sequenced the metagenome of the gut microbiota of honey bees.
Unexpectedly, we found a remarkable degree of genetic diversity within
the few bacterial species colonizing the bee gut. Comparative analysis
of gene contents suggests that different species harbor distinct
functional capabilities linked to host interaction, biofilm formation,
and carbohydrate breakdown. Whereas the former two functions could be
critical for pathogen defense and immunity, the latter one might
assist nutrient utilization. In a γ-proteobacterial species, we
identified genes encoding pectin-degrading enzymes likely involved in
the breakdown of pollen walls. Experimental investigation showed that
this activity is restricted to a subset of strains of this species
providing evidence for niche specialization. Long-standing association
of these gut symbionts with their hosts, favored by the eusocial
lifestyle of honey bees, might have promoted the genetic and
functional diversification of these bee-specific bacteria. Besides
revealing insights into mutualistic functions governed by the
microbiota of this important pollinator, our findings indicate that
the honey bee can serve as a model for understanding more complex
gut-associated microbial communities.

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Gracias


Juanse Barros J.
APIZUR S.A.
Carrera 695
Gorbea - CHILE
+56-45-271693
08-3613310
http://apiaraucania.blogspot.com/
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