Understanding how insects detect and respond to sugars
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Sugar Sensing by Insect Gustatory Receptors
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10802517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how insects, like silk moths, detect sugars that give them energy and help them taste things, which could help us understand how different creatures sense flavors and nutrients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $353,319 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM149636-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10802517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of taste and those who may benefit from advancements in food technology or pest control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in the biological sciences or those not affected by issues related to taste perception or pest management may not find this research beneficial.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that allow insects to sense sugars, which are crucial for their energy and taste perception. By studying a specific sugar receptor from the silk moth, the project aims to uncover how this receptor binds to D-fructose and how it activates the sensory response. The researchers will use advanced structural and functional techniques to explore the interactions within the receptor and how it distinguishes between different sugars. This work could lead to insights into the broader mechanisms of taste and nutrient sensing in various organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of taste perception and nutrient sensing, potentially leading to applications in food science and pest management.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have successfully explored the mechanisms of taste perception in other organisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butterwick, Joel Adam — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Butterwick, Joel Adam
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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.