Molecular basis for the inactivation of semiochemicals in the stink bug antennae

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05620
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39050:Insect science-related
• Research Institution: Akita Prefectural University
• Principal Investigator: Noge Koji 秋田県立大学, 生物資源科学部, 准教授 (40423008)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: フェロモン分解 / オドラント分解 / 酵素 / ヘリカメムシ / クサギカメムシ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Insects including heteropterans adopt to the external environment by responding to exogenous odorous substances (semiochemicals). Many semiochemicals have been identified and the mechanisms of their reception are becoming clear; however, information about inactivation of semiochemicals after perception in insects is limited. This mechanism is for the next new semiochemicals that will be received by the insects. In this study, behavioral assays revealed that oxidation of the alarm pheromone of the coreid bug led to the loss of pheromone activity. An oxidase has been found in the antennae of the bug, which is considered to be involved in inactivation of its alarm pheromone.

Free Research Field

化学生態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

情報化学物質の役割を明らかにすることは，自然界での同種の昆虫どうし，あるいは昆虫と植物のように異種間での生物相互作用を理解する上で役立つ．情報化学物質がどのように作られ，昆虫にどのように受容され，作用するかは，その役割を理解する上で欠かすことができない．一方，本研究で着目した情報化学物質の不活性化は目立たないものの，如何に昆虫が外界からの情報を処理しているかという点で新たな知見を与えうる．昆虫の行動変化を引き起こす情報化学物質の中で，フェロモンのように害虫防除にも利用される例もある．まだまだ十分とは言えないものの，情報の不活性化も情報処理の撹乱という点で害虫対策に貢献できるかもしれない．