Molecular Genetics of the Olfactory System

嗅觉系统的分子遗传学

• 批准号: 9317054
• 负责人: John Carlson
• 金额: $ 28.2万
• 依托单位: Yale University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 1994
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 1994-09-01 至 1998-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=9317054&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Molecular; Genetics; Olfactory; System

Recent work has shown major similarities across a wide range of organisms in the biochemical mechanisms for olfactory reception. The fruit fly, Drosophila, provides an excellent model system for study because of its accessibility for genetics, molecular analysis, behavior, and even some physiology. This project combines these techniques to address the molecular basis for olfactory sensitivity. Modern genetic technology and methodology is used to isolate particular mutant strains of Drosophila that show particular olfactory sensitivity or loss. These mutants allow identification of particular genes by the pattern of proteins that are expressed. Genes that are expressed specifically in olfactory tissue during development will be characterized, and their expression or deletion correlated to specific kinds of olfactory behavior. One of these genes apparently is expressed differently in males and females, suggesting an important role in mate recognition or other important reproductive behavior. Results will be important for understanding the mechanisms of olfactory reception at the fundamental level of molecular genetics, and will have a broader impact as well on sensory neuroscience and on genetics, with potential applications including pest control.

最近的研究表明，多种生物体在嗅觉接收的生化机制方面存在重大相似性。 果蝇为研究提供了一个极好的模型系统，因为它可以用于遗传学、分子分析、行为，甚至某些生理学。 该项目结合了这些技术来解决嗅觉敏感性的分子基础。 现代遗传技术和方法用于分离表现出特定嗅觉敏感性或丧失的特定果蝇突变株。 这些突变体允许通过表达的蛋白质模式来识别特定基因。 发育过程中嗅觉组织中特异性表达的基因将被表征，并且它们的表达或缺失与特定类型的嗅觉行为相关。 其中一个基因在男性和女性中的表达显然不同，这表明在配偶识别或其他重要的生殖行为中发挥着重要作用。 结果对于理解分子遗传学基础水平上的嗅觉接收机制非常重要，并将对感觉神经科学和遗传学产生更广泛的影响，潜在的应用包括害虫控制。