The long term objective of this proposal is to understand how environmental temperature fluctuations synchronize the Drosophila circadian clock. While many of the components of invertebrate and mammalian molecular circadian clocks have been identified, considerably less is known about how information from the environment synchronizes the internal molecular pacemaker. In this project, the effect of temperature fluctuations on Drosophila circadian behavior will be characterized. The power of Drosophila genetics will be used to identify neuronal structures and circadian clock genes required for circadian rhythm synchronization by temperature cycles. Finally, biochemical techniques will be used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the pacemaker responds to temperature inputs. Determining how temperature and other environmental inputs are integrated in a simple model system will provide information on how external inputs can act independently and synergistically to affect the timing of complex behaviors such as sleep. This should ultimately lead to a better understanding and treatment of illnesses linked to circadian rhythms, such as sleep disorders, shift-work associated complications, seasonal affective and bipolar disorder.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Individual Predoctoral NRSA for M.D./Ph.D. Fellowships (ADAMHA) (F30)
Project #
5F30NS054421-03
Application #
7339835
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZNS1-SRB-M (24))
Program Officer
Mitler, Merrill
Project Start
2005-12-26
Project End
2009-08-25
Budget Start
2007-12-26
Budget End
2008-12-25
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$28,809
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603847393
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655
Busza, Ania; Murad, Alejandro; Emery, Patrick (2007) Interactions between circadian neurons control temperature synchronization of Drosophila behavior. J Neurosci 27:10722-33