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Effects of altering activity of sensory systems, motor output, skeletal muscle and neurons containing ACH, dopamine, 5‐HT and GABA in Drosophila melanogaster
Author(s) -
Cooper Robin L,
Malloy Cole,
Majeed Zana R.,
Titlow Josh,
Mahmood Dlovan D.,
Somasundaram Eashwar,
Omar Aya,
Hermanns Christina,
Higgins Jake,
Hall Kaylee
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.874.7
Subject(s) - optogenetics , neuroscience , sensory system , drosophila melanogaster , biology , biological neural network , synapse , dopamine , neurotransmission , nervous system , genetics , gene , receptor
The goal of this research is to increase the understanding of how altered neural activity in various modulatory circuits and defined circuits can influence changes in the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This is being addressed by the use of, pharmacological agents, optogenetics and thermal control. Some of the genetic approaches involve inserting particular genes which are transgenetically introduced into the genome. Optogenetic regulation allows rapid control of cells to be excited or inhibited. Larvae are reared in varied lighting and thermal control to elicit different motor neuron responses indicative of behavioral changes. Locomotion behavior, response to sensory stimuli and eating responses are being used to measure behavioral assays. The assays will be performed for first, second and third instar larva during the various conditioning paradigms. The degree of synaptic transmission with electrophysiological measures of the synaptic output of the motor neurons is currently being addressed. The hypothesis being tested is that altering defined neural activity during larval development from 1 st to 3 rd instar will result in structural and functional changes in the synapse; however, they may be able to compensate in novel ways to maintain normal behaviors and physiological control when returned to non‐manipulated conditions. This research is significant because it addresses the possibility of underlying factors sculpting the development of synaptic contacts, as well as factors helping to maintain synaptic contacts after they are established. This research has further implications in the use of optogenetics in driving neural activity, stimulating neurons for regeneration and repair as well as potentially how to offset deconditioning situations, such as zero gravity conditions in aerospace science. Support or Funding Information Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation (KSEF) at the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (RLC), Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (JH) & personal funds (RLC)