Mechanotransduction and auditory transduction in Drosophila

摘要: Insects are utterly reliant on sensory mechanotransduction, the process of converting physical stimuli into neuronal receptor potentials. The senses proprioception, touch, and hearing involved in almost every aspect an adult insect’s complex behavioral repertoire mediated by a diverse array specialized sensilla neurons. physiology morphology several these have been described detail; genetic approaches Drosophila, combining screens electrophysiology with forward reverse techniques, now revealed specific proteins their differentiation operation. These include three different TRP superfamily ion channels that required for transduction tactile bristles, chordotonal stretch receptors, polymodal nociceptors. Transduction also depends normal mechanical integrity modified cilia form endings, accessory structures transmit to them and, lymph transepithelial potential. Flies hear near-field sounds vibration-sensitive, antennal organ. Biomechanical analyses wild-type antennae reveal non-linear, active properties increase sensitivity weak stimuli. effects mechanosensory ciliary mutations mechanics show motor elements indicate distinct roles TRPN TRPV auditory amplification.