The family of major royal jelly proteins and its evolution

A cDNA encoding a new member of the gene family of major royal jelly protei ns (MRJPs) from the honeybee, Apis mellifera, was isolated and sequenced. R oyal jelly (RJ) is a secretion of the cephalic glands of nurse bees. The or igin and biological function of the protein component (12.5%, w/w) of RJ is unknown. We show that the MRJP gene family encodes a group of closely rela ted proteins that share a common evolutionary origin with the yellow protei n of Drosophila melanogaster, Yellow protein functions in cuticle pigmentat ion in D, melanogaster. The MRJPs appear to have evolved a novel nutritiona l function in the honeybee.