| 研究実績の概要 |
1.1. Neuronal activity mapping in the jellyfish
To identify neurons controlling feeding, we used phospho-MAPK antibody staining in the jellyfish. Typically, when a neuron fires an action potential, calcium flows into the cell, causing activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, which in turn triggers MAPK phosphorylation into phospho-MAPK (pMAPK). Thus, by staining whole jellyfish eith a pMAPK antibody, we can identify activated neurons. To prove that this approach works, we stimulated jellyfish with light and compared the pMAPK staining with jellyfish which remained in darkness. This resulted in strong staining of the neurons around the jellyfish eyes, but only for the animals that were exposed to light. This proves that anti-pMAPK staining can be used for labeling active neurons in jellyfish. Unfortunately, we were unable to identify a clear pattern when we used other sensory modalities, such as chemical or mechanical stimulation.
1.2. Identification of genes involved in jellyfish feeding
To better understand the genes involved in the regulation of jellyfish feeding, we carried out RNA analyses in hungry and fed animals. In this way, we were able to identify hundreds of genes that become more highly expressed when the jellyfish is hungry or full. Our hypothesis is that some of these genes may be involved in the regulation of appetite in jellyfish. Using bioinformatics approaches, we were able to identify potentially conserved genes that also play a role in appetite regulation in other animals.
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