About Our Lab
We study how neural circuits give rise to rhythmic behaviors during development. Our main focus is on understanding the circuitry regulating sleep-wake and feeding rhythms in developing Drosophila larvae. We examine circuit development using modern genetics, confocal imaging, and circuit tracing approaches. Finally, we hope to examine how early life behaviors and circuit development influence behaviors across the lifespan. Possible projects in the lab include the following:
Project Ideas:
Molecular Determinants of Sleep Rhythm Circuit Development
Our published work has determined that a circuit connection between DN1a clock neurons and Dh44 output neurons is required for sleep-wake rhythms to develop (Poe et al, 2023). Additionally, we found that animals raised on low nutritional conditions do not exhibit sleep-wake rhythms. Indeed, the sleep-circadian circuit (DN1a-Dh44 circuit) itself does not develop when nutrients are not optimal (Poe et al 2024). Based on this work, we hypothesize that metabolic cues play a role in coordinating the emergence of sleep rhythms. Future work in the lab will examine how the metabolic and nutritional environment influences sleep-circadian circuit development.
Feeding Rhythm Circuit Development
Our published work has also found that feeding rhythms develop concurrently with sleep-wake rhythms in Drosophila larvae (Poe et al, 2024). Drosophila larval and adult feeding is controlled through many of the same cellular mechanisms, including subpopulations of cells in the pars intercerebralis (PI). However, it is not known if neurons in the PI regulate larval feeding rhythms. Future work in the lab will identify the populations of neurons responsible for feeding rhythm development. Ultimately, we plan to examine how sleep-wake and feeding-regulatory circuits communicate.
Role of Early Life Sleep in Adult Behaviors
In adult flies, the circadian clock transmits time-of-day information to control sleep timing. We plan to examine how circuits formed in Drosophila larvae affect adults behaviors. We hope to use the larval system to gain insights into how adult circuitry and behavior is regulated.
