Gene Expression in Task Behaviors of Harvester Ants

收割蚁任务行为中的基因表达

基本信息

批准号：
6631441
负责人：
KRISTA K INGRAM
金额：
$ 4.73万
依托单位：
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
财政年份：
2002
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2002-12-01 至 2004-11-30
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/6631441
关键词：
Gene Expression Task Behaviors Harvester

项目摘要

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of this research is to use the Harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) as a model system to study one of the central questions concerning the integration of complex biological systems, i.e. how do individuals process local information and alter behavior in response? I propose to study the molecular basis of task allocation in Harvester ant colonies by assaying gene expression in workers of different tasks. Task behaviors of this species are well documented and relatively labile. Task switching is mediated by environmental cues such increased food resources, or by social cues, i.e. changes in interaction rate with nestmates. I will test the hypothesis that the differences in task behavior involve differential expression of genes, particularly genes required for chemosensory processing. The goal of this research is to develop custom cDNA microarrays enriched for genes expressed in Harvester ant workers exhibiting two task behaviors, foraging and midden work, as well as transcipts for chemosensory processing genes identified in other insects. Target genes associated with each task behavior will be sequenced and identified, if possible. Using stimuli known to induce resting worker ants to switch to a particular task, I will test whether target genes for foraging or midden work are expressed in task-switching ants. This research will add to our understanding of the mechanisms of behavioral control in complex systems by determining fundamental genetic factors involved in task behaviors of this species.

描述（由申请人提供）：这项研究的目的是使用 Harventer Ant（Pogonomyrmex barbatus）作为研究之一有关复杂生物系统整合的中心问题，即个人如何处理本地信息并改变行为回复？我建议研究任务分配的分子基础通过分析不同工人的基因表达来收获蚂蚁菌落任务。该物种的任务行为有充分的文献记载和相对不稳定。任务切换是由环境提示介导的，例如食物增加资源或通过社会提示，即与巢穴的相互作用率的变化。我将检验以下假设，即任务行为的差异涉及基因的差异表达，尤其是化学感应所需的基因加工。这项研究的目的是开发自定义cDNA微阵列在收获蚂蚁工人中表达的基因丰富了两项任务行为，觅食和中间工作，以及化学感应的thrassipts 加工基因在其他昆虫中鉴定出来。靶基因与每个相关如果可能的话，将对任务行为进行测序和识别。使用刺激已知会诱使休息的工人蚂蚁切换到特定任务，我将测试用于觅食的目标基因还是在任务切换蚂蚁。这项研究将增加我们对通过确定基本的复杂系统中行为控制机制该物种的任务行为涉及的遗传因素。