We propose to use a model circuit in Drosophila to study aminergic neuromodulation. The relatively small number of presynaptic cells combined with easy access to both pre- and post-synaptic sites will allow us to quantify the activity of each aminergic neuron, their functional relationships to post-synaptic targets and how their activities are coordinated. Recently developed molecular genetic tools will allow us to map all of the relevant receptors for the first time. New methods of preparing the tissue will allow us to identify the function of both direct and indirect regulatory pathways. Using RNAi transgenes as well as classical mutations we will define the function of all of the aminergic and glutamatergic receptors in the circuit and how they interact. Preliminary Data have uncovered unexpected complexities in this relatively simple circuit that will be relevant to a variety of other more complex circuits less amenable to the detailed analysis we propose here.

Public Health Relevance

We propose to use a simple circuit in Drosophila (the fruit fly) to determine how a neurotransmitter related to noradrenalin regulates intercellular signaling. The results will have broad relevance to more complex circuits that regulate mood, reward and attention.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01MH114017-01A1
Application #
9597075
Study Section
Molecular Neurogenetics Study Section (MNG)
Program Officer
Driscoll, Jamie
Project Start
2018-09-01
Project End
2023-06-30
Budget Start
2018-09-01
Budget End
2019-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095