Understanding how ants choose their odorant receptors
Official title: Bridging stochastic and deterministic paradigm of olfactory receptor choice in ants
Funded at New York University · NIH-10949659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how jumping ants choose certain genes that help them smell, to see if this choice happens by chance or if there's a specific plan behind it, using special techniques to understand how these genes work in their antennae.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $133,110 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DC021991-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be researchers and scientists interested in genetics, neurobiology, or entomology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in genetic research or those not involved in scientific studies related to olfactory systems may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how ants select specific genes responsible for their sense of smell, focusing on the olfactory receptor genes. By examining the jumping ant, which has a unique genetic structure, the study aims to determine whether these genes are activated through a random or predetermined process. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression patterns in the ants' antennae. This approach will help clarify the mechanisms behind gene choice in olfactory sensory neurons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory biology and gene regulation, potentially leading to applications in pest control or ecological management.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies on gene expression in other species have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sieriebriennikov, Bogdan — New York University
- Study coordinator: Sieriebriennikov, Bogdan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Preventing youth violence by better delivering proven programs to middle schools
A large study in middle schools will test practical ways to help teachers implement a well-known social-emotional learning program so it reaches students as intended.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.