How gene networks influence social behavior in bees
Official title: Gene regulatory network plasticity in social behavior
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11021712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different environmental and developmental factors influence the social behaviors of bees, helping us understand why some bees act differently than others, which could also give us insights into social behaviors in other areas of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | January 6, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $365,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156952-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in the biological and genetic factors influencing social behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in behavioral genetics or do not have conditions related to social behavior may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how variations in environmental and developmental factors shape social behaviors in bees through gene regulatory networks (GRNs). By using a combination of functional genomics, computational biology, and behavioral profiling, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to different social traits in bee populations. The research will analyze changes in gene regulation associated with the evolution of social behaviors, providing insights into how these traits develop and adapt over time. Patients interested in the implications of this research may benefit from understanding the biological underpinnings of social behavior, which could have broader applications in behavioral health and social dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social behavior mechanisms, potentially informing treatments or interventions for social behavior disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding gene regulatory networks and their impact on behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Beryl M — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Jones, Beryl M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
East Palestine health impact study following train derailment
A community-engaged study in East Palestine will follow residents to understand health symptoms, exposure markers, and air quality after a major train derailment.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
Regulation of exon junction complex in cancer biology
This grant studies how a key molecular complex that controls RNA processing acts in cancer, with the aim of understanding how it contributes to cancer cell behavior.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
-
Kentucky workplace health surveillance program improving safety for workers
A national institute-funded program is supporting Kentucky to monitor and improve safety and health at work for better protection of workers.
-
Gabapentin use in older adults and related health outcomes
This project will look at how gabapentin is used by older adults and whether that use is linked to health outcomes using Medicare data.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.