2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Investigating the influence of two major Ionotropic Receptors on Aedes aegypti mosquito acoustic behaviors
| Project/Area Number |
22K15159
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| Research Institution | Nagoya University |
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Principal Investigator |
SU Matthew 名古屋大学, 高等研究院(理), 特任助教 (00885981)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | Aedes mosquitoes / Hearing / Thermosensation / Ionotropic receptors |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
I have successfully generated an IR21a homozygous negative mutant and investigated the influence of temperature on male mutant hearing systems. No significant changes in hearing sensitivity have been found, though this mutant appears to demonstrate altered humidity sensation rather than thermosensation. Interestingly, the distribution of IR21a in Aedes mosquitoes appear distinct from other mosquito species, potentially suggesting changes in function.
I am currently generating an Ir25a homozygous negative mutant so that I can also perform assays on this line. I am also expanding my research into other Ionotropic Receptors which I have identified in ear tissues to investigate their potential role in hearing thermosensitivity.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
My current research is progressing at an expected rate overall. Of the two mutant lines I planned to generate and subject to experiments, I have already generated one (Ir21a -/-) and am in the process of generating the second (Ir25a -/-). Ir21a mutants do not appear to show significant changes in either temperature sensitive hearing function (as quantified via novel laser Doppler vibrometry and electrophysiology assays) or hearing behaviors (as quantified by new phonotaxis experiments). Testing of the Ir25a mutant line will commence immediately after generation.
To broaden the scope of my experiments, I have used proteomics analyses to try to identify other Ionotropic receptors in the mosquito ear. I will implement the results of these analyses to guide my Ir21/Ir25-focused work whilst also broadening the scope of my research.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
My immediate future research plan centers on rapid generation of the second mutant line which forms the core of my research scheme (Ir25a-/-) and subsequent testing of the thermosensitivity of its hearing system and behaviors. Once these tests have been conducted, I will then focus on further profiling of the potential function of these two important receptors, particularly as my preliminary data suggests their distributions in Aedes mosquitoes may be distinct from other Dipteran species.
I will then incorporate the results of my proteomics-based analyses suggesting the existence of other Ionotropic receptors in mosquito ears, including Ir93. Generation and testing of these mutants should expand the reach of my research and also help elucidate if this receptor family modulates the temperature dependence of mosquito hearing.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Expenses next fiscal year will cover the costs of technical support for mosquito rearing and conference attendance (Japan Neuroscience Society meeting 2023). In addition, further purchases of mutagenesis reagents and experimental assay equipment (cages and speakers) will be necessary alongside proteomics-based assays to confirm and validate IR distribution patterns in relevant tissues. If experiments continue at the expected pace, article submission may also be possible, requiring support from this grant.
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