Reception and coding of pheromone signals in insects

在昆虫中，触角中的分子信号识别和触角叶中的初级加工事件形成嗅觉编码和气味驱动行为的基础。基于对烟芽夜蛾信息素系统的深入了解，本研究旨在阐明烟芽夜蛾信息素识别和编码的早期事件。此外，该项目旨在阐明共存的气味如何干扰这些主要过程并影响信息素驱动的行为。更详细地说，我们将探讨的贡献“感觉神经元膜蛋白”（SNMPs）的主要性信息素成分的检测“重建”SNMP 1/HR 13受体系统在细胞培养物中，并通过执行信息素结合蛋白（PBP）介导的信息素反应的钙成像。将通过使用表面等离子体共振光谱中的纳米体制剂和标记的PBP分析PBP与表达SNMP 1的细胞的结合来研究所提出的PBP和SNMP 1的分子相互作用。潜在的检测一个未成年人的性信息素成分的分子事件将探讨通过确定参与PBP及其与特定的受体和SNMP 1的相互作用。由于某些气味抑制信息素特异性感觉神经元的反应，我们将评估受体和SNMP 1是否是外周抑制的分子靶点。环境中共存的抑制性植物挥发物如何影响信息素驱动的行为的问题将在风洞实验中仔细研究。由于特定的信息素驱动的行为是敏感的信息素混合物中的主要和次要成分的比例的变化，我们将研究如何最佳或干扰的混合比例是在触角叶混合物诱导的活动模式在体内成像。

In insects, the molecular signal recognition in the antenna and primary processing events in the antennal lobe form the bases for olfactory coding and odorant-driven behaviours. Based on advanced knowledge on the pheromone system of Heliothis virescens the proposed project aims on elucidating the early events in pheromone recognition and coding. In addition, the project intends to illuminate how co-existing odorants interfere with these primary processes and affect pheromone-driven behaviour. In more detail, we will explore the contribution of “Sensory Neuron Membrane Proteins” (SNMPs) in the detection of the major sex pheromone component by “reconstituting” the SNMP1/HR13 receptor system in cell culture and by performing calcium imaging of the pheromone binding protein (PBP)-mediated pheromone response. The proposed molecular interaction of PBP and SNMP1 will be investigated by analyzing binding of PBP to SNMP1-expressing cells employing nanosome preparations in surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and labelled PBP. The molecular events underlying the detection of a minor sex pheromone component will be explored by identifying the PBP involved and its interplay with a specific receptor and SNMP1. Since certain odorants inhibit the response of the pheromone-specific sensory neurons, we will assess if receptors and SNMP1 are molecular targets of the peripheral inhibition. The question, how co-existing inhibitory plant volatiles in the environment affect pheromone-driven behaviour will be scrutinized in wind-tunnel experiments. Because specific pheromone-driven behaviour is sensitive to changes in the ratio of major and minor components in the pheromone blend, we will investigate how optimal or disturbed mix ratios are represented in the antennal lobe by in vivo imaging of blend-induced activity patterns.