Disheveled is a major regulator of WNT signalling pathway. It has been shown that WNT signaling is important for regulating synaptic plasticity. However, it is not still clear how Dsh is regulating synaptic plasticity. In this study, we used various methods to investigate how Dsh regulates synaptic plasticity. Our further studies will reveal unknown molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying WNT signaling dependent synaptic plasticity.

Pine wilt disease is currently the most deadly forest disease in the world and is known to be caused by infection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Until now, no method has been developed to confirm the pine tres infected with pine wood nematodes. In order to develop a method to diagnose pine wood nematode infection, we produced a monoclonal antibody against Expansin B3, which was found to be secreted by pine wood nematodes. ELISA assay using various monoclonal antibody confirmed that the pine trees infected with the rewarming can be detected. Further studies using our antibodies may help to develop a diagnostic method that can quickly confirm infection of pine wood nematodes in the field.

Insect resistance to crop protecting chemicals is developing very rapidly, which is a major problem in the production of crops. Recently, the mechanism of resistance to various pseticides s has been revealed in Helicoverpa armigera. However, to date, no technology has been developed to quickly diagnose resistance yet. In this study, we present the results of developing method of rapid diagnosis of resistance