Functional analysis of molluscan shell matrix proteins using transgenic techniques

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23244101
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Stratigraphy/Paleontology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Endo Kazuyoshi 東京大学, 理学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (80251411)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): TANABE Kazushige 東京大学, 大学院理学系研究科, 名誉教授 (20108640)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 貝殻形成 / 軟体動物 / 形態形成 / 進化発生学 / バイオミネラリゼーション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to clarify the mechanisms of shell formation in molluscs, genome sequencing, transcriptome analysis, proteome analysis, functional analysis of gene products using various inhibitory chemicals, and development of transgenic techniques were done using the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis, Patella vulgata, and Nipponacmea fuscoviridis, the bivalve Pinctada fucata, as well as the cephalopod Nautilus pompilius. As a result, a gene regulatory pathway responsible for the initial development of the shells and proteins responsible for the control of curvature and torsion of shell growth were discovered. Outcomes of this project also include exhaustive identification of shell matrix proteins, elucidation of possible mechanisms and evolutionary processes for those shell matrix proteins, and establishment of an experimental system with which to carry out transgenic studies in molluscs.

Free Research Field

進化古生物学