Molecular Genetics of the Olfactory System

最近的研究表明，在嗅觉接收的生化机制上，各种生物体之间存在着很大的相似性。果蝇，果蝇，为研究提供了一个很好的模型系统，因为它可以进行遗传学、分子分析、行为甚至一些生理学研究。这个项目结合了这些技术来解决嗅觉敏感性的分子基础。现代基因技术和方法被用来分离表现出特殊嗅觉敏感或丧失的特定果蝇突变品系。这些突变体可以通过表达的蛋白质模式来识别特定的基因。在发育过程中在嗅觉组织中特异表达的基因将被表征，它们的表达或缺失与特定种类的嗅觉行为相关。其中一个基因在雄性和雌性中的表达明显不同，这表明它在配偶识别或其他重要的生殖行为中发挥了重要作用。研究结果对于在分子遗传学的基础水平上理解嗅觉接受的机制将是重要的，也将对感觉神经科学和遗传学产生更广泛的影响，潜在的应用包括虫害防治。

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.