Multi-tiered analyses of honey bees that resist or succumb to parasitic mites and viruses

Abstract Background Varroa destructor mites, and the numerous viruses they vector to their honey bee hosts, are among most serious threats populations, causing mortality morbidity both individual colony, negative effects of which convey pollination services provided by bees worldwide. Here we use a combination targeted assays deep RNA sequencing determine host microbial changes in resistant susceptible lineages. We focus on three study sets. The first involves field sampling sympatric western bees, some derived from stock mites. second experiment contrasts colonies more deeply, two southeastern U.S. one mite-resistant Eastern Texas. Finally, decouple mites those vector, experimentally expose DWV laboratory, measuring viral growth responses. Results find strong differences between terms loads gene expression. Interestingly, lineages with naturally low levels mite-vectored Deformed wing virus, also carried lower not vectored By mapping expression results against current ontologies other studies, describe impacts mite parasitism, as well health genetic backgrounds. identify genes processes seen studies stress disease colonies, alongside novel new patterns Conclusions provide evidence that surviving face parasitic do so through abilities resist presence devastating these In all cases, divergence stocks was when were exposed live or viruses, suggesting activation, rather than constitutive expression, is key for interactions. revealing responses infection parasitism different lineages, our data candidate proteins evolution tolerance virus resistance.