Research Projects

Role of clock genes in neuronal development and morphology

The proper wiring of neuronal circuits during development is essential for the neuronal control of behavior. Across animal species, sleep/wake cycle rhythms, as well as many other behavioral and physiological rhythms, are controlled by the circadian timekeeping system, a network of neurons that maintains endogenous molecular oscillations and rhythmic behavior with a ~24 hour period. The proper functioning of this circadian network requires the formation of synaptic and peptidergic connections during development.

Sex Differences in the Circadian System

A growing body of evidence indicates significant sex differences in the circadian system, but little is known about how temporal organization of physiology and behavior differs between sexes. Drosophila is a powerful model system in which to study the neuronal basis of sexual dimorphism in timekeeping thanks to its well-characterized circadian clock neuron network and a highly conserved molecular oscillator.

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