简介

The long-term goal of the research in our laboratory is to determine the neural basis of behavioral ontogeny using the moth Manduca sexta, and the fly Drosophila melanogaster as model systems. Both of these insects go through a complete metamorphosis from a larva to an adult through the developmentally interesting pupal stage. Along with the dramatic changes in body morphology metamorphosis also results in the in shift in the behaviors repertoire of these insects. Our goal is to understand the neural correlates that accompany these changes in behavior. We exploit Manduca's large and easily accessible nervous system allowing us to examine the role of extrinsic cues (e.g. hormones; cell-cell interactions) and in the regulation of postembryonic development of the CNS. Currently, we are examining the role of a set of hormones in regulating the motor patterns during Manduca's molt cycles. We also exploit the genetic tools offered by Drosophila in our research program to learn more about cellular and molecular basis of postembryonic neurogenesis. We recently completed a screen for Drosophila mutants that disrupted the pattern of postembryonic neurogenesis. The genetic and molecular analysis of these mutants should provide new insights into the factors involved in the regulation of postembryonic neurogenesis.