Gut microbiota as a modulator of circadian neural development in the honey bee model

Antibiotic-treated and gnotobiotic-reared honey bees exhibit reduced rhythmicity in circadian behaviors compared to controls.

• Disruption of gut microbiota during early life may impact normal neural development and behavioral patterns.
• The maturation of circadian rhythms and central clock mechanisms is not well understood in the context of microbial disturbances.
• Fewer neurons expressing Pigment-Dispersing Factor (PDF) are observed in bees with gut dysbiosis, indicating impaired circadian pacemaker development.
• Increased levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein Acid Labile Subunit are noted in antibiotic-treated bees at early ages, which may affect neurodevelopment.
• The results suggest that gut microbiota may play a role in the development of circadian rhythms.

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