Genetic Blueprints of a Tiny Yet Remarkable Pollinator in the Neotropics

Jim Crocker
12th June, 2024

Genetic Blueprints of a Tiny Yet Remarkable Pollinator in the Neotropics

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia sequenced the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of Tetragonisca angustula, a common stingless bee in Brazil
  • The study provides insights into the genetic traits crucial for the bees' survival, such as disease resistance and adaptability to environmental changes
  • This genomic data can help develop better conservation strategies and improve breeding programs for stingless bees
The field of bee genomics has seen significant progress, yet stingless bees, the most diverse group of honey producers, remain underrepresented. A recent study conducted by the Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia aimed to address this gap by sequencing the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of Tetragonisca angustula, a common and widely reared stingless bee in Brazil and other neotropical countries[1]. Understanding the genetic makeup of bees is crucial for several reasons. Bees play a pivotal role in pollination, which is essential for food security and biodiversity[2]. However, global bee populations are declining, posing a threat to these benefits. While much attention has been given to some bee species, such as honeybees and bumblebees, stingless bees have not received the same level of scrutiny. This is despite their significant cultural and economic importance in many regions[3]. The study sequenced the genomes of Tetragonisca angustula using long-read (LR) sequencing technology, which provides more comprehensive and accurate genetic information compared to short-read sequencing. This technology allows researchers to better understand the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of these bees. Prior to this study, only eleven of the approximately 600 described stingless bee species had been sequenced, and only three using LR technology. The sequencing of Tetragonisca angustula's genome is a significant step forward in bee genomics for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of traits that are important for the survival and productivity of these bees. This includes traits related to disease resistance, adaptability to environmental changes, and efficiency in pollination. Secondly, it offers insights into the evolutionary history of stingless bees, which can help scientists understand how these bees diversified and adapted to different environments over time. This study builds on previous research that has explored the evolutionary history and diversification of bees. For instance, it has been established that bees originated in the early to mid-Cretaceous period, around the same time as flowering plants[4]. Understanding the phylogeny of bees, including stingless bees, is crucial for comprehending their coevolution with angiosperms. The new genomic data from Tetragonisca angustula can contribute to this understanding by providing a more detailed genetic framework. The methods used in this study involved sequencing both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The nuclear genome contains most of the genetic material and provides information about the bee's overall genetic makeup. The mitochondrial genome, on the other hand, is smaller and inherited maternally, offering insights into the evolutionary history and population genetics of the species. By sequencing both genomes, the researchers were able to obtain a comprehensive view of the genetic landscape of Tetragonisca angustula. The implications of this study are far-reaching. With better genetic information, conservation strategies can be more effectively developed to protect stingless bees, which are vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting agricultural systems. Additionally, the insights gained from this study can help in breeding programs aimed at enhancing desirable traits in stingless bees, such as increased resistance to diseases and improved pollination efficiency. In summary, the sequencing of Tetragonisca angustula's genome by the Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia marks a significant advancement in the field of bee genomics. It addresses the gap in genetic information for stingless bees and provides valuable insights that can aid in their conservation and utilization. This study not only enhances our understanding of stingless bees but also contributes to the broader knowledge of bee evolution and their critical role in ecosystems and agriculture.

GeneticsBiochemAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) The nuclear and mitochondrial genome assemblies of Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae: Meliponini), a tiny yet remarkable pollinator in the Neotropics

Published 11th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-024-10502-z

Related Studies

2) Why bees are critical for achieving sustainable development.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01333-9

3) Stingless bee classification and biology (Hymenoptera, Apidae): a review, with an updated key to genera and subgenera.

https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1172.104944

4) The history of early bee diversification based on five genes plus morphology.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Issue: Vol 103, Issue 41, Oct 2006


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