Loss-of-function analyses of the fragile X-related and dopamine receptor genes by RNA interference in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus.
In order to explore a possibility that the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus would be a useful model to unveil molecular mechanisms of human diseases, we performed loss-of-function analyses of Gryllus genes homologous to human genes that are responsible for human disorders, fragile X mental retardation 1 (fmr1) and Dopamine receptor (DopR). We cloned cDNAs of their Gryllus homologues, Gb'fmr1, Gb'DopRI, and Gb'DopRII, and analyzed their functions with use of nymphal RNA interference (RNAi). For Gb'fmr1, three major phenotypes were observed: (1) abnormal wing postures, (2) abnormal calling song, and (3) loss of the circadian locomotor rhythm, while for Gb'DopRI, defects of wing posture and morphology were found. These results indicate that the cricket has the potential to become a novel model system to explore human neuronal pathogenic mechanisms and to screen therapeutic drugs by RNAi.
Hamada
Aska
A
Department of Life Systems, Institute of Technology and Science, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
Miyawaki
Katsuyuki
K
Honda-sumi
Eri
E
Tomioka
Kenji
K
Mito
Taro
T
Ohuchi
Hideyo
H
Noji
Sumihare
S
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D017344:Genes, Insect; D006135:Gryllidae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype; D034622:RNA Interference; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000235:genetics; D014828:Vocalization, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D014921:Wings, Animal / Q000002:abnormalities
D017931:DNA Primers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine