# Host genetic background and environment have different effects on the establishment and structure of the adult worker honey bee gut microbiota

## TL;DR

This study shows that both the genetic makeup of honey bees and their environment influence the gut microbiota's structure and diversity.

## Contribution

The study reveals distinct roles of host genetics and environment in shaping gut microbiota in honey bees.

## Key findings

- Host genetic background and cage environment each influence gut microbiota beta diversity.
- Host genetics and environment affect the abundance of different gut microbes.
- Both factors play distinct roles in shaping gut microbiota structure.

## Abstract

Many studies have highlighted the importance of gut microbiomes to many aspects of host physiology. Therefore, understanding how factors, such as host genetics and environment, impact the establishment and composition of the gut microbiota can provide insight into host biological functioning. Here, we controlled the microbial inoculation of honey bees across distinct social groups, each composed of a mixture of bees from three distinct genetic backgrounds, and each housed in a distinct cage environment. We determined the relative effects of host genetic background and cage environment on the establishment and composition of the gut microbiota. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that host genetic background and cage environment had effects on gut microbiota structure, with each influencing gut microbiota beta diversity. In addition, host genetic background and cage environment each affected the abundance of different individual gut microbes. Together, these results suggest that host genetic background and environment may play distinct roles in shaping the establishment and structure of host gut microbiota.