Neurobiology of peptidergic and aminergic neurons in insects

我们的研究以昆虫为实验模型，研究神经系统的功能。我们正在建立神经系统交流的机制；检查荷尔蒙、突触和调节机制。我们尤其感兴趣的是，多肽和胺作为神经激素的作用，释放到血液中以协调不同组织组的活动；以及作为神经调节器，调节不同途径的正在进行的活动。我们专注于已鉴定的神经肽和胺，并寻找新的神经肽，集中在具有重要医学意义的罗德尼亚种。这种细菌从人类身上摄取大量的血液，在随后排出过量的盐分和水(利尿)的过程中，寄生虫克氏锥虫被传播，导致查加斯病。我们检查与喂养相关的短期内分泌事件。特别是，我们正在定义与喂养相关的、导致血淋巴利尿和抗利尿激素水平升高的输入(均由我们确定)，检查释放它们的神经分泌细胞及其靶点(例如唾液腺、中肠、后肠、马氏管、心脏和表皮细胞)。由于罗德纽斯基因组计划，这一领域的进展已经发生了革命性的变化。我们可以根据其他生物的序列同源性搜索基因组中的神经肽和G蛋白偶联受体(GPCRs)，克隆它们的基因，合成神经肽，并检测它们对与摄食相关的组织和表达的受体的生理作用。这些信息使我们能够评估这些利尿因子在整个摄食生理学中的神经内分泌相关性。除了回答有关神经系统的基本问题外，这项研究还为害虫控制策略奠定了基础，将神经肽作为先导化合物。寄生虫是在利尿过程中传播的，因此利尿激素实际上控制了恰加斯病的传播。干扰这一过程应该会干扰恰加斯病的传播，因此我们最近在利尿和抗利尿激素方面的发现具有相当重要的意义。

Our research examines the functioning of the nervous system, using insects as experimental models. We are establishing the mechanisms by which the nervous system communicates; examining hormonal, synaptic, and modulatory mechanisms. In particular we are interested in the role of peptides and amines as neurohormones, released into the blood to co-ordinate activities of diverse groups of tissues; and as neuromodulators, modulating the ongoing activities of distinct pathways. We focus on identified neuropeptides and amines, and search for novel neuropeptides, concentrating on the medically-important bug, Rhodnius prolixus. This bug takes enormous blood meals from humans, and during the subsequent excretion of excess salts and water (diuresis), the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted, resulting in Chagas' disease. We examine short term endocrinological events associated with feeding. In particular we are defining the input associated with feeding which results in elevations in haemolymph diuretic and antidiuretic hormones (all identified by us), examining the neurosecretory cells which release them, and their target sites (e.g. salivary glands, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules, heart and epidermal cells). Progress in this area has been revolutionised because of the Rhodnius genome project. We can search the genome for neuropeptides and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) based upon sequence homology from other organisms, clone their genes, synthesise the neuropeptides and examine their physiological effects on tissues associated with feeding, and upon expressed receptors.The information allows us to assess the neuroendocrinological relevance of these diuretic factors in overall feeding physiology. In addition to answering fundamental questions about nervous systems, this research lays the foundation for pest control strategies, targeting neuropeptides as lead compounds. The parasite is transmitted during diuresis, and so diuretic hormones actually control the transmission of Chagas' disease. Interfering with this process should interfere with the transmission of Chagas' disease, and therefore our recent discoveries of the diuretic and antidiuretic hormones is of some considerable importance.