Categorizing genes involved in an insect pain model, Manduca sexta, using a de novo transcriptome
By: Negeen Mostarshed
Department: Cellular & Molecular Biology
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Megumi Fuse
Researchers report that over 50 million people experience chronic pain, which taxes the health care system, results in billions of dollars in lost revenue, and results in long-lasting debilitation and often death. Using a simpler model organism can provide us with a better understanding of the highly complex mechanisms of pain and determine if these genes are evolutionarily conserved in humans. The lab previously developed a de novo transcriptome from the central nervous system of the caterpillar, Manduca sexta. A differential expression analysis was conducted in order to compare gene regulation after injury. My current project is to sort and categorize the differentially expressed genes. The goal is to identify major components of pain signaling by categorizing the differentially expressed genes and determining how conserved they are with other pain models. The functionality of these genes is determined by conducting various literature/web searches. Meanwhile, the assortment of the genes is based on function and categories: Manduca-specific, insect-specific, or are conserved more broadly across phyla. Preliminary data suggest M. sexta shares genetic sequence similarities across insect species and within vertebrates, including humans. This suggests that humans and M. sexta may share genes involved in pain signaling. Ultimately our research could be applicable to humans and give us a better understanding of the phenomena of sensitization which often presents in humans as chronic pain.