RNA-sequencing elucidates the regulation of behavioural transitions associated with mating in honey bee queens

Mating is a complex process, which is frequently associated with behavioural and physiological changes. However, understanding of the genetic underpinnings of these changes is limited. Honey bees are both a model system in behavioural genomics, and the dominant managed pollinator of human crops; consequently understanding the mating process has both pure and applied value. We used next-generation transcriptomics to probe changes in gene expression in the brains of honey bee queens, as they transition from virgin to mated reproductive status. In addition, we used CO 2 -narcosis, which induces oviposition without mating, to isolate the process of reproductive maturation.