Characterization of honeybee inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels and their sensitivity to insecticides

传粉媒介的消失主要是由于环境中存在化学压力。我们在这个应用中的重点是Kir钾通道，因为它们最近成为各种合成杀虫剂的目标。这一国际合作努力的目标是在专业知识共享和培训的支持下建立协同研究合作，以解决杀虫剂对蜜蜂渠道的影响。我们将(1)鉴定、克隆和测序所有在蜜蜂中表达的Kir通道基因变异，并分析这些基因在蜜蜂成虫期和幼虫期组织中的表达模式。(2)表征这些离子通道的生物物理和药理学特性，以及一组杀虫剂的作用。(3)与蒙彼利埃大学的米歇尔·维涅斯（Michel Vignes）教授合作，制作每一种基因变异的功能模型和数值模型。该培训计划将受益于Vignes博士在培训和指导学生职业发展和研究方法技能发展方面的出色记录。我们为学员确定了几个具体目标：1)学习研究昆虫离子通道，特别是蜜蜂离子通道所起作用所需的先进技术。2)掌握所需的实验专业知识，熟悉并熟练掌握良好的实验室规范。3)产生高质量的结果，智能地解释数据，并发表发现。这项研究计划的目的之一是吸引和建立一个多元化，包容的学生和高素质人才社区。由于蜂群崩溃也是加拿大的一个问题，这项研究应该使加拿大成为处理杀虫剂环境问题的国家之一。总的来说，这一国际合作为蜜蜂离子通道研究做出了重大的科学贡献，吸引了新一代的学生和博士后。

The disappearance of pollinators is primarily due to the presence of chemical stressors in the environment. Our focus in this application is on Kir potassium channels because they have recently become the targets for a variety synthetic insecticides. The goal of this international collaborative effort is to establish a synergetic research collaboration supported by expertise sharing and training to tackle the effect of insecticides on honeybee channels.We will (1) Identify, clone, and sequence all Kir channel gene variants expressed in honeybees and analyze the expression pattern of these genes in the tissues of honeybees in the adult and larval stages. (2) Characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of these ion channels as well as the effects of a panel of insecticides. (3) In collaboration with professor Michel Vignes, from the University of Montpellier, produce functional models of each of these gene variants and numerical modelling. The training plan will benefit from the excellent track record in training and mentoring students in career development and research method skills development of Dr. Vignes. We have identified several specific goals for trainees: 1) Learn the advanced techniques required to study the role played by insect ion channels, specifically honeybee ion channels. 2) Acquire the experimental expertise required to be familiar with and be skilled at good laboratory practice. 3) Produce high quality results, intelligently interpret the data, and publish findings. One of the aims of this research program is to attract and build a diverse, inclusive community of students and highly qualified personnel. Since bee colony collapse is also a concern in Canada, this research should position Canada as one of the countries dealing with the environmental issues of insecticides. Collectively, this international collaboration is well-equipped to make significant scientific contributions to honeybee ion channel research, engage a new generation of students and postdoctoral fellows in the endeavour.