The neurological basis of behavior is poorly understood on a genetic and cellular level, such understanding is crucial to the dissection of mental diseases. By elucidating the role of the male-specific products of the fruitless gene (fruM) in establishing an innate, stereotypic, and complex behavior, an understanding will be gained regarding how a behavioral circuit is determined and regulated in a genetically tractable organism.
The aims of the project are threefold. (I) Identify fruM-expressing neuronal populations that are dedicated to regulating the activation of the male courtship routine. II) Characterize the role these cells by courtship-related sensory assays to define functional roles for fruM-expressing neurons in early courtship. Ill) Image the neuronal projection patterns and manipulating synaptic transmission in target fruM-expressing neurons. Addressing these aims will provide insight into the functions of the fruM-expressing neurons in regulating a defined behavioral circuit. Sex-specific differences in neuronal morphology and number will provide clues into how the sex-specific circuitry is established in the male brain.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM075533-03
Application #
7244371
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02A (20))
Program Officer
Haynes, Susan R
Project Start
2005-07-01
Project End
2008-06-30
Budget Start
2007-07-01
Budget End
2008-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$52,048
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305