Detection of sex pheromones in C. elegans

秀丽线虫是一种模式生物，它以性别特有的方式感受性信息素并对其做出反应：雄性被雌性信息素吸引，而雌性则避开信息素。这个项目的目标是了解分子和神经细胞如何产生特定性别的行为。这一物种非常适合于行为研究，因为它是我们所知道的唯一一种我们知道神经系统完整接线图的有机体。在这项研究中，信息素将被提纯并确定其分子结构。这些信息素与嗅觉细胞表面的受体结合，向大脑发出雌性存在的信号。此外，还将确定男性对信息素做出反应所需的大脑回路。这个项目的最终目标之一是测试大脑活动如何产生行为的模型。线虫的神经系统足够简单，应该可以重新编程行为，从而确认神经细胞功能和行为的模型。这个项目的一部分将由本科生完成，因此，拟议的研究将培训学生遗传学和神经生物学，并为他们理解基本原理提供实践基础。这项建议的结果将在科学期刊上发表，并由国际和平研究所在社区和大学的陈述中向公众介绍。

The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans is a model organism that senses and responds to sex pheromones in a gender-specific manner: males are attracted to female pheromones, but females avoid the pheromones. The goal of this project is to understand how molecules and nerve cells generate gender-specific behaviors. This species is very well-suited for studies of behavior since it is the only organism for which we know the complete wiring diagram of the nervous system. In this study the pheromones will be purified and their molecular structure determined. These pheromones bind to receptors on the surface of the olfactory cells and signal to the brain that females are present. In addition, the brain circuit required for male response to the pheromones will be determined. One of the eventual goals of this project is to test models for how brain activity generates behavior. The C. elegans nervous system is simple enough that it should be possible to reprogram behavior and thereby confirm models for nerve cell function and behavior. Part of this project will be carried out by undergraduates, thus the proposed research will train students in genetics and neurobiology, and give them a practical basis for understanding fundamental principles. The results of this proposal will be made available by publication in scientific journals and presented to the public by the PI in community and university presentations.