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Research Topics
Cryptochrome as an internally expressed short-wavelength light photoreceptor
Cryptochrome (CRY) is canonically known for its role as the light-activated regulator of the circadian molecular clock in flies. We have discovered that CRY also contributes to light-induced electrical excitability in the clock neural network. Current projects aim to decipher the mechanisms by which CRY confers light-responsiveness to alter complex behaviors, such as sleep, arousal, and attraction. We employ a variety of electrophysiological techniques and behavioral assays to address these questions.
Photoreceptor system convergence in the fly
External opsin-based photoreceptors in the eyes allow a fly to navigate its environment. Internally expressed CRY and Rhodopsin 7 photoreceptors alter downstream behavioral responses to light and are tuned to specific wavelengths of light and intensities. Our projects aim to decipher the convergence of these external and internal photoreceptors in order to better establish a model of insect photoreception. Credit left image: Helfrich-Förster. Credit right image: Emery
Understanding mosquito phototransduction for behavioral manipulation
Mosquitos and Drosophila share very similar neural circuitry and photoreceptive elements that drive behavior. Our work has shown that mosquito CRY is a strong regulator of light attraction and avoidance behaviors in flies and mosquitos. Our projects aim to unravel the mechanisms and processes of 1) CRY and 2) the neural circuitry that drive these complex light-based behaviors in mosquitos.
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