Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying energy allocation using the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K19298
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 45:Biology at organismal to population levels and anthropology, and related fields
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Kato Yasuhiko 大阪大学, 大学院工学研究科, 准教授 (60415932)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-07-09 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: エネルギー分配 / DNMT3 / ミジンコ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To understand mechanisms underlying energy allocation in organisms, we used the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna which has been used as a model for studying environmental responses. First, we attempted to introduce a reporter gene into the DNMT3.1 gene that controls energy allocation under starved conditions in Daphnia magna. Unexpectedly, attempts to introduce a reporter gene into the DNMT3.1 gene resulted in embryonic lethality. We established a novel DNMT3.1 null mutant and identified another gene responsible for energy allocation. These results contribute to understanding the molecular basis of energy allocation.

Free Research Field

環境分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

生物において、限られたエネルギーをいかに身体の維持、成長、繁殖などの各生物活動に配分するかは、個体群動態、個体における進化や適応、そして老化や疾患等の理解まで生命システムの幅広い階層における現象を理解する上で根源的な問題であるが、そのメカニズムはほとんど解明されていない。こうした中でミジンコにおけるエネルギー分配のメカニズムの基盤を遺伝子レベルで明らかにした本研究は、個体・個体群レベルでの進化や適応の原理のみならずエネルギー分配機構の生物間の共通性や多様性の理解に貢献できる。