30th Annual Student Research Conference
Identifying Mechanisms Involved in Neuronal Hyperactivity in Drosophila
Erin C. Darr*, Victoria Borchardt, Isaiah Oakes, and Miles Thies
Dr. Brett A. Berke, Faculty Mentor
Worldwide, 50 million individuals suffer from seizures, uncontrolled waves of neuronal activity that propagate throughout the brain. Research has identified many molecular mechanisms that control seizure activity, though the data still indicates the presence of undiscovered mechanisms. The model organism Drosophila melanogaster is being used to determine additional molecular mechanisms of neuronal hyperactivity. We are using a gain-of-function screening approach to overexpress selected genes to examine their role in neuronal hyperactivity. Three phenotypic tests are being used to measure neuronal hyperactivity: larval neuromuscular synaptic size, larval crawling, and anesthesia-induced adult leg shaking. Genes found to modify any of these aspects of development/behavior when overexpressed will be studied further by using the Drosophila genetic toolkit. This research should provide basic understanding of how previously unstudied proteins might impact neuronal activity in seizure sufferers.
Keywords: Drosophila, synapse, neuron, seizure, neuronal hyperactivity
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 105-1
Location: MG 2001
Time: 8:00