Eberl Daniel F, Boekhoff-Falk Grace
Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1324, USA.
Int J Dev Biol. 2007;51(6-7):679-87. doi: 10.1387/ijdb.072364de.
Hearing is a specialized mechanosensory modality that is refined during evolution to meet the particular requirements of different organisms. In the fruitfly, Drosophila, hearing is mediated by Johnston's organ, a large chordotonal organ in the antenna that is exquisitely sensitive to the near-field acoustic signal of courtship songs generated by male wing vibration. We summarize recent progress in understanding the molecular genetic determinants of Johnston's organ development and discuss surprising differences from other chordotonal organs that likely facilitate hearing. We outline novel discoveries of active processes that generate motion of the antenna for acute sensitivity to the stimulus. Finally, we discuss further research directions that would probe remaining questions in understanding Johnston's organ development, function and evolution.
听觉是一种特殊的机械感觉模态,在进化过程中不断完善,以满足不同生物体的特定需求。在果蝇中,听觉由约翰斯顿器官介导,它是触角中的一个大型弦音器官,对雄性翅膀振动产生的求偶歌曲的近场声学信号极为敏感。我们总结了在理解约翰斯顿器官发育的分子遗传决定因素方面的最新进展,并讨论了与其他弦音器官惊人的差异,这些差异可能有助于听觉。我们概述了产生触角运动以对刺激产生敏锐敏感性的主动过程的新发现。最后,我们讨论了进一步的研究方向,这些方向将探索在理解约翰斯顿器官发育、功能和进化方面仍然存在的问题。