Mediterranean honeybees Apis mellifera: a  genome-wide approach to dissect neutral and adaptive patterns of genetic diversity

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Publications

Genomic DNA extraction from honey bee (Apis mellifera) queen spermathecal content

Publication . Yadró, Carlos A.; Lopes, Ana Rita; Henriques, Dora; Musin, Eduard; Wegener, Jakob; Pinto, M. Alice

Genetic analysis of the honey bee spermathecal content can be particularly useful to provide an estimate of the genetic diversity and purity of the surrounding populations. Here we compared the concentration and quality of DNA extracted from queen spermatheca using four commercial kits to determine the best method to obtain DNA suitable for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by next-generation sequencing. The four kits were tested with different adjustments in the lysis incubation time, use of RNA-carrier, elution conditions and number of re-elutions. Only the use of QIAamp DNA Microkit with 3 h of lysis incubation, the addition of RNA-carrier and multiple re-elutions produced a DNA concentration over the required threshold.

2025Journal article

Open access

In vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts and essential oils of Cinnamomum, Salvia, and Menthaspp. against foodborne pathogens: a meta‐analysis study

Publication . Ezzaky, Youssef; Elmoslih, Abdelkhaleq; Silva, Beatriz Nunes; Bonilla‐Luque, Olga M.; Possas, Arícia; Valero, Antonio; Cadavez, Vasco; Gonzales-Barron, Ursula; Achemchem, Fouad

Genetic analysis of the honey bee spermathecal content can be particularly useful to provide an estimate of the genetic diversity and purity of the surrounding populations. Here we compared the concentration and quality of DNA extracted from queen spermatheca using four commercial kits to determine the best method to obtain DNA suitable for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by next-generation sequencing. The four kits were tested with different adjustments in the lysis incubation time, use of RNA-carrier, elution conditions and number of re-elutions. Only the use of QIAamp DNA Microkit with 3 h of lysis incubation, the addition of RNA-carrier and multiple re-elutions produced a DNA concentration over the required threshold.

2023Journal article

Open access

Climate change-induced stress in the honey bee Apis mellifera L.- a genetic review

Publication . Sagastume, Soledad; Cilia, Giovanni; Henriques, Dora; Yadró García, Carlos A.; Corona, Miguel; Higes, Mariano; Pinto, M. Alice; Nanetti, Antonio; Martín-Hernández, Raquel

Climate change is a powerful driver of stress, as it reinforces hotter and drier environments. For bees, the most concerning aspects of these new environmental conditions are the resistance and resilience of bees to changes in temperature, humidity and ultraviolet radiation, as well as the negative effect on diversity of food resources which can lead in nutritional stress. The climatic vulnerability of various bee species and subspecies varies worldwide, as they experience varying levels of stress and display distinct behaviors, weaknesses, and lifespans. To understand these differences, it is crucial to consider both the genetics and epigenetics of bees, as these factors play a key role in their response, resistance, and adaptation to new stressors. This review provides a guide of genetic and epigenetic markers involved in the cellular response of Apis mellifera to most common stressors derived from climate change. Understanding how the various molecular mechanisms interact to restore homeostasis during the stress response is essential for designing future studies based on molecular markers.

2025Journal article

Open access