Unravelling the impact of the mite Varroa destructor on the interaction between the honey bee and its viruses (360G-Wellcome-094892_Z_10_Z)

£207,973

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of honeybee antiviral defences, to determine the influence of Varroa on these processes and virus diversity, and to identify honeybee genetic markers associated with virus resistance we set up following objectives: O.1. To assess the effect of Varroa mites on virus diversity (DWV, VDV-1 and recombinants) and virus load in the honeybees. O.2. To analyse the influence of Varroa on the honeybee innate immunity (antiviral response), including signalling pathways and RNA interference. O.3. To dissect the influence of genotype variation in bees on the resistance to the immunosuppressive activity of Varroa and the generation of viral genetic diversity. Work summary - Varroa-free honeybee colonies sourced from Colonsay or Skye will be infested Varroa. These Varroa-infested and genetically related Varroa-free control honeybees will be used to study honeybee-Varroa-DWV interactions. - Virus diversity in honeybees and Varroa mites will be analysed using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. qRT-PCR tests for identification of individual components (in particular DWV, VDV-1 and recombinants thereof) will be devised. - Varroa-infested and -free honeybees will be tested for the presence of DWV-specific siRNAs. The diversity of siRNAs will be analysed by Illumina sequencing. - Microarray transcriptional profiling will be used to identify genes/signalling pathways involved in antivirus defence which are suppressed by Varroa. - The functions of the genes implicated in antivirus defence in the honeybees will be tested in RNAi experiments (egg injection with dsRNA). - Honeybee pupae from Varroa-infested and -free colonies will be subjected to multivariate analyses; individual pupae will be tested for the levels of viruses, expression of antivirus-defence genes, virus-specific siRNAs and will be genotyped. The results will be used to develop models of the interaction between honeybees of different genotypes, Varroa and viruses.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 207973
Applicant Surname Ryabov
Approval Committee Immunology and Infectious Disease Funding Committee
Award Date 2010-05-25T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2009/10
Grant Programme: Title Project Grant
Internal ID 094892/Z/10/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Eugene Ryabov
Partnership Name Insect Pollinators Initiative
Partnership Value 207973
Planned Dates: End Date 2013-12-31T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2011-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region West Midlands