Fabio Marroni

Abstract We propose crossing multi-parent recombinant-inbred-lines (RILs) to a common tester and measuring allele specific gene expression in the offspring. With a few RIL x Tester crosses, genetic variation in the regulation of gene expression between RIL alleles can be identified. Testing whether allelic imbalance between two RIL x Tester crosses is equal, is a test of cis or trans depending on the RIL alleles compared.

PLOS ONE, Jul 2023 Host age at parasites’ exposure is often neglected in studies on host-parasite interactions despite the important implications for epidemiology. Here we compared the impact of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, and the associated pathogenic virus DWV on different life stages of their host, the western honey bee Apis mellifera. The pre-imaginal stages of the honey bee proved to be more susceptible to mite parasitization and viral infection than adults.

2.1.4 Mite’s effects on DWV load in parasitized bees. DWV level at the emergence was significantly higher in bees that were mite-infested during the pupal stage as compared to uninfested bees (Fig 4, Mann-Whitney U test. U = 22, df = 1, p = 0.02). Fig 4. DWV infection in honey bees mite-infested during the pupal stage. DWV relative quantification obtained by real time PCR in newly emerged honey bees infested or not with one mite at the L5 stage (Mann-Whitney U test.