Quantitative trait loci associated with reversal learning and latent inhibition in honeybees (Apis mellifera)

A study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that affec t learning in honeybees. Two F-1 supersister queens were produced from a cr oss between two established lines that had been selected for differences in the speed at which they reverse a learned discrimination between odors. Di fferent families of haploid drones from two of these F-1 queens were evalua ted for two kinds of learning performance-reversal learning and latent inhi bition-which previously showed correlated selection responses. Random ampli fied polymorphic DNA markers were scored from recombinant, haploid drone pr ogeny that showed extreme manifestations of learning performance. Composite interval mapping procedures identified two QTLs for reversal learning (lrn 2 and lrn3: LOD, 2.45 and 2.75, respectively) and one major QTL for latent inhibition (lrn1: LOD, 6.15). The QTL for latent inhibition did not map to either of the linkage groups that were associated with reversal learning. I dentification of specific genes responsible for these kinds of QTL associat ions will open up new windows for better understanding of genes involved in learning and memory.