Neurobiology of peptidergic and aminergic neurons in insects

昆虫肽能和胺能神经元的神经生物学

• 批准号: 8522-2012
• 负责人: Orchard, Ian
• 金额: $ 3.42万
• 依托单位: University of Toronto
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2014
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2014-01-01 至 2015-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=544525
• 关键词: Neurobiology; peptidergic; aminergic; neurons; insects

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.

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沟通的机制;检查激素，突触和调节机制。特别是，我们感兴趣的肽和胺的作用作为神经激素，释放到血液中，以协调不同组织的活动;和作为神经调质，调节不同途径的持续活动。我们专注于确定的神经肽和胺，并寻找新的神经肽，集中在医学上重要的错误，Rhodnius prolixus。这种虫子从人类身上摄取大量的血液，在随后排泄过量的盐和水（利尿）的过程中，寄生虫克氏锥虫被传播，导致恰加斯病。我们研究了与进食相关的短期内分泌事件。特别是，我们正在定义与进食相关的输入，导致血淋巴利尿和抗利尿激素（均由我们鉴定）升高，检查释放它们的神经分泌细胞及其靶部位（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，这一领域的进展发生了革命性的变化。我们可以搜索基因组的神经肽和G蛋白偶联受体（GPCRs）的基础上从其他生物体的序列同源性，克隆他们的基因，合成的神经肽和检查其生理作用的组织与喂养，并在表达的receptors.The信息使我们能够评估这些利尿因子的神经内分泌相关性的整体喂养生理。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。这种寄生虫在利尿过程中传播，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南美锥虫病的传播，因此我们最近发现的利尿激素和抗利尿激素具有相当重要的意义。