# Multi‐Omics Analysis Reveals TO Gene's Association With Food Selection and Lifespan in Minor‐Worker Ants Post‐Queen Loss

## TL;DR

Removing the queen from ant colonies affects minor workers' diet and lifespan, linked to changes in gene expression and metabolism.

## Contribution

The study identifies the TO gene's role in altered food selection and longevity in queenless minor worker ants.

## Key findings

- Queenless minor workers reduce sugar intake and live longer.
- TO and MRJP1 gene expression increases in queenless minor workers.
- TO gene may influence unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and autophagy.

## Abstract

The queen ant is central to colony reproduction and chemical communication. Removing her causes significant phenotypic changes, such as wing loss and oviposition in virgins, and the emergence of reproductive pseudoqueens. However, the effects of queen loss in the workers of invasive
Solenopsis invicta
have not been thoroughly documented. Our study compares worker behavior and gene expression post‐queen removal, revealing altered dietary preferences, life expectancy, and no change in necrophoresis behavior. The queen's absence mildly affects gene expression in major workers, but TO and MRJP1 expression rise in minors. Metabolite changes relate to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and autophagy, with increased lysosome production in queenless minors, likely due to the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway in response to changes in nutritional status. This upregulation may clear cellular debris, ensuring nutrient stability and cellular integrity, and activate the PI3K/Akt pathway to regulate FoxO, enhancing resilience to sugar intake reduction and promoting longevity. We also suggest that the metabolite 12(Z), 15(Z)‐heneicosadienoic acid is key in MRJP synthesis, linked to worker ant longevity.

Queenless minor workers diminish sugar intake and extend their lifespan. The expression of TO and MRJP1 notably escalated in minor workers with queen loss. Gene TO may trigger pathways in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and autophagy. TO and MRJP1 may jointly participate in the synthesis of MRJPs and contribute to the life extension of minor workers.