Morphogenetic mechanisms of the waterproof breathable nanopore structure on insect olfactory sensilla

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K18811
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Insect science
• Research Institution: National Institute for Basic Biology (2016); Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (2015)
• Principal Investigator: ANDO Toshiya 基礎生物学研究所, 進化発生研究部門, 助教 (10709744)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 昆虫 / クチクラ / 微細構造 / ナノポア / 嗅覚 / 形態形成 / ショウジョウバエ / バイオミメティクス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research, I analyzed the morphogenetic and molecular mechanism of autonomous formation of the waterproof breathable exoskeleton (cuticle) of insect olfactory sensilla, which plays essential roles in preventing leakage of liquid by surface tension and promoting odorant inhalation. I aimed to obtain knowledge on the physical properties and dynamics of molecules that lead to development of new functional biomimetic nanomaterial. Detailed electron microscopic observations of the morphogenetic processes of cuticle suggest that the cellular protrusive structures with high electron density formed on the cell surface interact with the cuticle immediately after its secretion, and form fine-scale pores (nanopores). Furthermore, my genetic screening identified a novel membrane protein gene which seemed to play major roles in the formation of nanopores, particularly in the process of the protrusion formation.

Free Research Field

発生生物学