Abscisic acid enhances cold tolerance in honeybee larvae

作者：Ramirez Leonor; Negri Pedro; Sturla Laura; Guida Lucrezia; Vigliarolo Tiziana; Maggi Matias; Eguaras Martin; Zocchi Elena; Lamattina Lorenzo^*

来源：Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 2017, 284(1852): 20162140.

DOI：10.1098/rspb.2016.2140

• Apis mellifera
• cold tolerance
• abscisic acid
• compensatory growth

The natural composition of nutrients present in food is a key factor determining the immune function and stress responses in the honeybee (Apis mellifera). We previously demonstrated that a supplement of abscisic acid (ABA), a natural component of nectar, pollen, and honey, increases honeybee colony survival overwinter. Here we further explored the role of ABA in in vitro-reared larvae exposed to low temperatures. Four-day-old larvae (L4) exposed to 25 degrees C for 3 days showed lower survival rates and delayed development compared to individuals growing at a standard temperature (34 degrees C). Cold-stressed larvae maintained higher levels of ABA for longer than do larvae reared at 34 degrees C, suggesting a biological significance for ABA. Larvae fed with an ABA-supplemented diet completely prevent the low survival rate due to cold stress and accelerate adult emergence. ABA modulates the expression of genes involved in metabolic adjustments and stress responses: Hexamerin 70b, Insulin Receptor Substrate, Vitellogenin, and Heat Shock Proteins 70. AmLANCL2, the honeybee ABA receptor, is also regulated by cold stress and ABA. These results support a role for ABA increasing the tolerance of honeybee larvae to low temperatures through priming effects.

• 出版日期2017-4-12