Scientists Crack Bee-Killer Genome
June 5, 2009| |
Researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have successfully deciphered the genome of an important bee pathogen. Nosema ceranae, a unicellular spore-producing parasite, is one of many pathogens suspected of contributing to the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD was first reported in the US in October 2006, with some beekeepers reporting losses of up to 90 percent. At stake are honey bees, which according to USDA, play an important part in a $15 billion industry of crop farming in the country.
The Nosema genome is 7.86 Mb long, according to the paper published by PLoS Pathogens. The characterization of the N. ceranae genome presented could advance the understanding and eventual mitigation of Nosema parasitism. The researchers have identified some 89 genes that may play important roles in Nosema-honey bee interactions. These genes are said to encode secretory proteins that may interact with host tissue.
Download the full paper at http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1000466
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Eleven Countries to Receive Rewards for Conserving Crops
- Climate Change Mitigation and Agriculture
- Food Markets Down from 2008 Prices
- Partnership Aims to Double Africa’s Rice Production
- Aid to Rwandan Pyrethrum Farmers
- Seed Exchange Among Farmers Key to Transgene Presence in Mexican Maize
- Climate Change May Accelerate the Spread of Invasive Plants
- Scientists Crack Bee-Killer Genome
- USDA Seeks Comments on Field Release of GE Eucalyptus Hybrid
- BASF, DuPont Sue Each Other Over Patent Infringements
- MARDI Hosts Launch of Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2008
- IRRI Develops 3 New Rice Varieties for the Philippines
- Poland to Establish GMO-Free Zones
- Limagrain Obtains License for I-Sce1 meganuclease Technology
-
Research Highlights
- Junk DNA: Anything but Junk, Scientists Say
- Scientists Develop First Physical Map of Cucumber Genome
- Rabies Vaccine from GM Carrots
- Transcriptomic Analysis of a Superhybrid Rice
- Auxin, The Morphogen in Plants
-
Announcements
- 6th International Rice Genetics Symposium
- Biosafety Congress in Brazil
-
Resources
- GM and Non-GM Supply Chains: Their Co-Existence and Traceability
- GM Book by Czech Researchers
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (October 2, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (September 26, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet