Characterisation of the RNA interference response against the long-wavelength receptor of the honeybee

Targeted knock-down is the method of choice to advance the study of sensory and brain functions in the honeybee by using molecular techniques. Here we report the results of a first attempt to interfere with the function of a visual receptor, the long-wavelength-sensitive (L-) photoreceptor. RNA interference to inhibit this receptor led to a reduction of the respective mRNA and protein. The interference effect was limited in time and space, and its induction depended on the time of the day most probably because of natural daily variations in opsin levels. The inhibition did not effectively change the physiological properties of the retina. Possible constraints and implications of this method for the study of the bee's visual system are discussed. Overall this study underpins the usefulness and feasibility of RNA interference as manipulation tool in insect brain research. [Display omitted] •The long-wavelength opsin 1 (LOp1) of the honeybee was characterised.•lop1 was silenced through RNAi and the modalities of the inhibition were analysed at the mRNA and the protein levels.•The efficiency of the RNAi response depends on the time of the day and probably on opsin levels.•A moderate LOp1 inhibition is not associated to a modification of the retina physiology.