Calmodulin-like protein (CaML) (CaML)

Calmodulin-like protein (CaML) is a calcium-binding protein found in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, which is the primary pest affecting honey bee (Apis mellifera) health worldwide (Garbian et al., 2012). This protein belongs to the EF-hand superfamily and functions as a versatile intracellular calcium sensor, regulating various enzymatic activities and signaling pathways essential for the mite's physiological processes and development (NCBI, 2023). The mRNA transcript of the calmodulin-like gene has emerged as a significant target for RNA interference (RNAi) technology, where double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is used to specifically silence the gene's expression (Campbell et al., 2016). Silencing this gene leads to impaired calcium signaling, resulting in high mortality rates and reduced fecundity in the mites (Mondet et al., 2014). This targeted approach is being developed as a biopesticide to provide a more sustainable and species-specific alternative to conventional chemical acaricides, which often face issues with resistance and toxicity to the host bees (Bayer, 2021).

Other names

CaMCaMLVdCaMLCalmodulin-like gene mRNACalmodulin-like protein mRNAVarroa destructor calmodulin

RNA interference (RNAi) leading to sequence-specific mRNA degradation and gene silencing