Gene Expression in Task Behaviors of Harvester Ants

描述(由申请人提供)：本研究的目的是使用 以收割机蚂蚁(Pogonomyrmex Barbatus)为模型系统进行研究 关于复杂生物系统集成的中心问题， 即个人如何处理本地信息并改变 有什么反应？我建议研究任务分配的分子基础 通过分析不同工种工蚁基因表达的方法研究收割机蚁群 任务。这个物种的任务行为被很好地记录下来，并且相对 反复无常。任务转换受环境因素的影响，如食物的增加 资源，或通过社会线索，即与筑巢伙伴的互动率的变化。 我将检验这一假设，即任务行为的差异包括 基因的差异表达，特别是化学感觉所需的基因 正在处理。这项研究的目标是开发定制的cdna微阵列 在表现出两项任务的收割机蚂蚁工蚁中丰富表达的基因 行为、觅食和媒介工作，以及化学传感的转运体 处理在其他昆虫中发现的基因。与每个基因相关的靶基因 如果可能，将对任务行为进行排序和识别。使用刺激 已知会诱导休息的工蚁切换到特定的任务，我将测试 无论觅食或中期工作的靶基因是否在 任务切换蚂蚁。这项研究将增加我们对 通过确定基本原理来实现复杂系统的行为控制机制 与该物种的任务行为有关的遗传因素。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of this research is to use the Harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) as a model system to study one of the central questions concerning the integration of complex biological systems, i.e. how do individuals process local information and alter behavior in response? I propose to study the molecular basis of task allocation in Harvester ant colonies by assaying gene expression in workers of different tasks. Task behaviors of this species are well documented and relatively labile. Task switching is mediated by environmental cues such increased food resources, or by social cues, i.e. changes in interaction rate with nestmates. I will test the hypothesis that the differences in task behavior involve differential expression of genes, particularly genes required for chemosensory processing. The goal of this research is to develop custom cDNA microarrays enriched for genes expressed in Harvester ant workers exhibiting two task behaviors, foraging and midden work, as well as transcipts for chemosensory processing genes identified in other insects. Target genes associated with each task behavior will be sequenced and identified, if possible. Using stimuli known to induce resting worker ants to switch to a particular task, I will test whether target genes for foraging or midden work are expressed in task-switching ants. This research will add to our understanding of the mechanisms of behavioral control in complex systems by determining fundamental genetic factors involved in task behaviors of this species.