Elucidation of the molecular basis of individual lifespan by olfaction

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H02479
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44010:Cell biology-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: CHIHARA Takahiro 広島大学, 統合生命科学研究科(理), 教授 (00431891)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 嗅覚 / 免疫 / 老化 / ショウジョウバエ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to detect individual physiological states (e.g. immunity, inflammation) related to lifespan, a genetic system for detecting the level of innate immunity was established. By using this system, we searched olfactory receptor neurons that influence the level of innate immunity, and succeeded in identifying the “A olfactory receptor neurons” (provisional name), which regulate innate immunity. The activation of “A olfactory receptor” increases the level of innate immunity in individuals. Future research will aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which “A olfactory receptor” regulates innate immunity and individual aging, with the aim of elucidating the mechanisms of individual physiological control by odors.

Free Research Field

分子遺伝学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

老化に伴う個体機能低下に対する社会的関心は大きい。一般に老化要因として知られる食事やストレスではなく、“嗅覚”による寿命制御には大きな関心が寄せられている。今回の研究の成功は、例えば長寿効果を持つ機能性匂い物質の開発にも繋がる可能性があり、「匂うだけで健康長寿」という概念も提案できるかもしれない。今回の研究成果である「（老化にも関わる）免疫を制御する匂い神経回路の同定」は、今後の“匂いによる個体生理制御研究”の礎となるものである。