Honeybee gut Lactobacillus modulates host learning and memory behaviors via regulating tryptophan metabolism

Zijing Zhang, Xiaohuan Mu, Qina Cao, Yao Shi, Xiaosong Hu and Hao Zheng ()
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Zijing Zhang: China Agricultural University
Xiaohuan Mu: China Agricultural University
Qina Cao: China Agricultural University
Yao Shi: China Agricultural University
Xiaosong Hu: China Agricultural University
Hao Zheng: China Agricultural University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Honeybees are highly social insects with a rich behavioral repertoire and are a versatile model for neurobiological research. Their gut microbiota comprises a limited number of host-restricted bacterial phylotypes that are important for honeybee health. However, it remains unclear how specific gut members affect honeybee behaviors. Here, we find that antibiotic exposure disturbs the gut community and influences honeybee phenotypes under field conditions. Using laboratory-generated gnotobiotic bees, we show that a normal gut microbiota is required for olfactory learning and memory abilities. Brain transcriptomic profiling reveals distinct brain gene expression patterns between microbiota-free and conventional bees. Subsequent metabolomic analyses of both hemolymph and gut samples show that the microbiota mainly regulates tryptophan metabolism. Our results indicate that host-specific Lactobacillus strains promote memory behavior by transforming tryptophan to indole derivatives that activate the host aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Our findings highlight the contributions of specific gut members to honeybee neurological processes, thus providing a promising model to understand host-microbe interactions.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29760-0

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