An Engineered orco Mutation Produces Aberrant Social Behavior and Defective Neural Development in Ants
2017
Summary Ants exhibit cooperative behaviors and advanced forms of sociality that depend on pheromone-
mediated communication. Odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) express specific odorant receptors (ORs) encoded by a dramatically expanded gene family in ants. In most
eusocialinsects, only the queen can transmit genetic information, restricting genetic studies. In contrast, workers in
Harpegnathos saltatorants can be converted into
gamergates(pseudoqueens) that can found entire colonies. This feature facilitated
CRISPR-
Cas9generation of
germline mutationsin orco , the gene that encodes the obligate
co-receptorof all ORs. orco mutations should significantly impact
olfaction. We demonstrate striking functions of Orco in odorant perception, reproductive physiology, and social
behavior plasticity. Surprisingly, unlike in other insects, loss of OR functionality also dramatically impairs development of the
antennal lobeto which ORNs project. Therefore, the development of genetics in
Harpegnathosestablishes this ant species as a
model organismto study the complexity of
eusociality.
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