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Title: Effects of Various Mutations on Dendritic Development in Drosophila Melangoster (Advisor: Dr. Jay Brenman - Sponsor: Dr. Bob Duronio)
My research involves performing screens of the effects of known learning and memory mutations on the morphology of dendritic branching and spines in the dorsal cluster neurons in the peripheral nervous system of Drosophila melangoster. Through a series of genetic crosses and selections, it is possible to obtain fly larvae that carry the mutation of interest and express Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), which allows the nerve cells and their projections to be visualized under a fluorescent microscope. These larvae are compared to wild-type larvae expressing only the GFP and any variations in the dendritic branching or spines, which are important in the formation of new memories, are recorded. In addition to this forward genetic screen, I also participate in an EMS mutagen screen, in which new mutations are generated in flies and any alterations in the dorsal cluster neuron dendrites are observed. Many of the learning and memory mutations being studies are related to human genes causing metal retardation or learning disabilities and a greater understanding of these genes in flies may lead to a similar understanding in humans. |
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