TANAKA Ryoya

Research fields

Neurobiology
Insect Behavior
Molecular Genetics

Research Interests

Insect
Drosophila
Reproductive Behavior
Genome Editing

Professional Memberships

The Japan Neuroscience Society
The Japanese Society of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry
Society of Evolutionary Studies, Japan

Main research topics

There are numerous insect pests worldwide that pose threats to human health and agricultural crops. How to effectively control these pests has been a critical challenge for human. In recent years, the development of various insecticides has made it possible to manage pest populations effectively. However, the emergence of insecticide resistance has led to a demand for pest control strategies that do not rely on killing insects. My research has focused on exploring the diversity of insect behaviors and understanding how such behavioral diversity is shaped by neural and molecular mechanisms. For example, using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster and its related species, I have investigated the neural basis underlying the evolution of courtship rituals. More recently, I have begun studying the mechanisms that underlie group formation among multiple individuals. Courtship and group formation are also critical behaviors for the reproduction of pest species. In this proposal, I aim to develop novel pest control strategies targeting reproductive and grouping behaviors, by applying insights obtained through fundamental biological research.

Representative papers

Tanaka, T. Higuchi, S. Kohatsu, K. Sato, and D. Yamamoto, “Optogenetic activation of the fruitless-labeled circuitry in Drosophila subobscura males induces mating motor acts,” Journal of Neuroscience 37 (2017) no. 48, 11662–11674

Tanaka R., Mitaka Y., Takemoto D., Sato M.P., Kamikouchi A., and Suzuki Y., “Switching escape strategies in the parasitic ant cricket Myrmecophilus tetramorii,” Communications Biology 7 (2024) no. 1, 1–10

Research URL

Researchmap　Ryoya Tanaka – My portal – researchmap

Global issues to be solved through this project

Health and food problems caused by increasing damage from pests and the emergence of insecticide resistance

Control of pests that threaten human health and damage crops is an important issue for humans. In recent years, various technological innovations, including insecticides, have made pest control increasingly feasible. However, conventional pest control methods have been pointed out to have room for improvement from a sustainability perspective. In this research, I first aim to understand the mechanisms that regulate insect behavior through genetics and neurobiology. By applying this knowledge, I aim to propose new pest control strategies with minimal environmental impact.

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