Seasonal and nutritional modulation of honeybee olfactory learning by the short neuropeptide F

Neuropeptides are crucial molecules in the nervous system, regulating various biological processes. Neuropeptide F (NPF) and its shorter form, short neuropeptide F (sNPF), serve functions in invertebrates analogous to those of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in vertebrates, modulating growth, reproduction, nociception, circadian rhythms and feeding behaviours. In the honeybee, a social insect that adjusts foraging strategies based on colony needs, sNPF is a key regulator of foraging-related behaviours, including food intake, sucrose sensitivity, olfactory perception and visual memory formation. This study investigates the role of sNPF in olfactory learning and memory across different seasons and nutritional states by artificially elevating sNPF levels in honeybees. Our findings reveal that enhancing sNPF in well nourished winter bees does not affect cognitive performance. In contrast, increased sNPF levels in poorly or intermediately nourished summer bees significantly enhance learning and memory. These results indicate that while sNPF plays a role in olfactory learning and memory, its effects are modulated by seasonal and nutritional factors. The distinct physiological states and foraging demands faced by winter and summer bees likely influence sNPF signalling, modulating neural activity in olfactory and reward-processing circuits. Our study highlights the dynamic nature of sNPF signalling, emphasizing its tuning to external environmental conditions.