Myosin gene expression and protein abundance in the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus)

Termite colonies are composed of phenotypically different castes that have evolved to efficiently perform specific roles within the colony. Multiple genes are involved in the massive reorganization of the body plan during caste differentiation. The objective of this research was to analyze expression of the muscle gene, myosin, at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level to characterize the changes in expression that occur during C. formosanus development. Results indicate that the myosin gene is up-regulated during the worker-to-solider molt at both the transcript level and protein level. Comparisons between castes indicate a greater level of myosin transcript and protein level in soldiers than workers. Further, differences in immunoblot signal with anti-myosin antibodies suggest that there are changes in myosin isoform expression or post-translational modification as workers differentiate to soldiers. The differential expression of this important muscle related gene is not surprising considering the large amount of body plan reorganization and muscle found in the soldier caste. These results have a direct impact on our understanding of the downstream genes in the termite caste differentiation process.