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. -- NOTA:Si va a re-enviar este correo por favor borre la historia de direcciones, que incluye mi direccíon electrónica. Al borrar las direcciones electronicas se preveniene que los correos sean usados para la propagacion de virus y spams. Gracias Juanse Barros J. APIZUR S.A. Carrera 695 Gorbea - CHILE +56-45-271693 08-3613310 http://apiaraucania.blogspot.com/ [log in to unmask] *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm