Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
Many insects hijack plant development to induce novel plant organs called galls (虫こぶ) which are outstandingly abnormal growth in plants but provide the insects with nutrients and protection for reproduction. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms of de novo insect gall organogenesis remain largely unknown. The study aims to clarify the key parts of gene regulatory networks in insect gall organogenesis using a unique system of gall-forming aphids.