Differential Expression Of The Major Royal Jelly Protein7and8in Honeybee (Apis Mellifera)

Abstract:In this study, we examined expression pattern of major royal jelly protein7and8genes in honeybee(Apis mellifera L.) using Real-time quantitative RT-PCR. The results have showed that the characterization of the expression pattern of mrjp7and8genes is caste-special, development stage-special and tissue-special. Simultaneously, we found that mrjp7mRNA expression is highest in hypopharyngeal gland while mrjp8mRNA levels peak in venom gland. These data is consistent with their function revealed in recently (MRJP7has a nutritious function while MRJP8has a role as allergens), therefore, these results combined may contribute to the hypothesis mentioned above in the transcriptional level and provide evidence for the establishment of the theory. In addition, we also observed that the expression levels of mrjp7in queens was much lower than that in workers, and mrjp8gene was widely expressed in high level in queens. This indicates that mrjp7and mrjp8may exert additional functions in honeybee physiology.