Functions of regulator molecules reprogramming insect gall organogenesis in plants

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K20588
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0602:Agricultural and environmental biology and related fields
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: TONG XIN 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 環境資源科学研究センター, 基礎科学特別研究員 (10962996)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: gall organogenesis

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Our research has made significant strides in understanding gall-forming insects and their interactions with host plants. We successfully obtained high-resolution genomes of three gall-forming insects, providing a foundational resource for further genetic studies. A comprehensive list of putative effector proteins has been compiled and is undergoing prioritization for functional validation, aiming to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of gall induction. Additionally, although initial tissue culture attempts with elm trees faced challenges, ongoing modifications are improving medium conditions, with alternative plant systems being considered for validation. These achievements not only enhance our scientific understanding of plant-insect interactions but also hold potential agricultural and biotechnological applications.

Free Research Field

plant-insect interaction

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

この研究は、植物と昆虫の相互作用に焦点を当て、特に昆虫によるゴール形成を掘り下げます。ゴール形成昆虫のゲノムを解読し、重要なエフェクタープロテインを特定することで、ゴール形成を駆動する遺伝子調節ネットワークを明らかにします。科学的には、これにより発生再プログラミングの理解が深まり、比較器官形成研究への道が開かれます。社会的には、我々の研究成果が、ゴールを作る害虫から作物を保護するための革新的な農業戦略を提供し、バイオテクノロジーによる作物の耐性向上、植物と昆虫のダイナミクスを理解することで生態保全を進めます。