Shion Abe, a first-year student in the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences (Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry), received the Outstanding Student Presentation Award at the 2025 Joint Conference of the Kansai, Chugoku-Shikoku, and Western Japan Branches of the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry, held at Okayama University, on September 18–19.
Award-winning Presentation
“Elucidation of the Protein-Based Green Pigment in Adult Chrysoperla nipponensis”
The body color of adult Chrysoperla nipponensis is a vivid green, which is believed to serve as camouflage against predators. However, its physiological function remains unclear. This study investigated how the green body fluid—found only in mature female adults—is affected by changes in pH and temperature, and successfully identified a key protein responsible for the coloration. Furthermore, by using RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress the expression of this protein, the research revealed changes in both the coloration of laid eggs and the body color of adult insects. By elucidating the mechanism behind green pigmentation in insects, this research offers insights into the dynamics of color evolution.
Comment from the Awardee
“I am truly honored to receive the Outstanding Student Presentation Award. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my professors, lab members, and everyone who has supported me with valuable feedback and encouragement. I was delighted and thankful to have had the opportunity to present my research to so many attendees at the conference. The questions I received helped me recognize future challenges to pursue. I am committed to continuing my research with curiosity and determination, building on this valuable experience.”
＜The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences＞