Integrative Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals Polygenic Basis and Novel Candidate Genes for Uncapping Behavior in Varroa-Resistant in Worker Bees

Uncapping behavior of Varroa-infested brood cells in honeybees represents a key social immunity trait and a practical marker for breeding Varroa-resistant colonies. We applied genome-wide association analyses using both linear and logistic MLM-LOCO models (Leave one chromosome out) on Affymetrix 44K SNP data to dissect the genetic architecture of this behavior. Seven loci were identified in linear analyses, with partially overlapping signals in binary case-control models. Three SNPs consistently detected across both approaches highlight robust genomic markers for hygienic behavior. Candidate genes implicated in transcriptional regulation, neurodevelopment, cuticular integrity, and olfactory signaling suggest a coordinated molecular basis for behavioral resistance. These results underscore the polygenic nature of uncapping behavior and demonstrate how integrative GWAS frameworks can reveal complex traits in social insects, providing a foundation for marker-assisted selection to enhance colony resilience. Beyond apiculture, these results advance understanding of the genetic basis of cooperative defense traits in social animals. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=144 SRC="FIGDIR/small/692650v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (69K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1163100org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1eb08fforg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@19ba062org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@3e86db_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG