Insect vectors of disease find their human hosts primarily through chemosensory cues. Further, most rely heavily on chemosensation in both larval and adult stages. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand how these cues contribute to insect behavior. The long-range objective of this project is to illuminate some of these workings. Because the mechanisms of chemosensation in insects are highly conserved, we are conducting these studies in the most genetically tractable insect model, Drosophila. First, I will test the hypothesis that the previously uncharacterized subfamily of chemoreceptors, the IR20a subfamily, is expressed in larval chemosensory neurons, primarily taste neurons. I will also test the hypothesis that the taste neurons that express IR20a genes express other receptors as well. Secondly, I will extend preliminary observations that suggest that some IR20a genes are developmentally regulated. Using tools developed for this, I will also test the hypothesis that IR proteins are localized to dendrites of neurons that express them. Lastly, I will test the hypothesis that the cells are undergoing caspase-dependent apoptosis to account for the declining expression of IR20a genes in late larval development.

Public Health Relevance

Hundreds of millions of people each year suffer from diseases transmitted by insects, many of which locate their human hosts through chemosensory cues. A better understanding of the principles of insect chemosensation could lead to better means of controlling these insects and the diseases they transmit. )

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31GM096733-01A1
Application #
8202783
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08-E (20))
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2011-08-01
Project End
2013-07-31
Budget Start
2011-08-01
Budget End
2012-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$41,800
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520