My mixed group’s model for caste differentiation:
We went with a broader inhibitory and activating effects map, as the biochemical interactions (such as binding and allosteric effects) between receptor proteins is uncertain to us. Basically, EGFR, ILP2, and mTOR work to induce the queen phenotype. Beebread contains miRNAs which inhibit mTOR, as well as p. coumeric acid which inhibits ILP2 and mTOR, leading to the worker phenotype. Royal jelly contains royalactin, which stimulates EGFR, and it also contains RJS which somehow encourages EGFR, which leads to the queen phenotype.