Identification of Proteins in the Pigment Dispersion Factor Pathway (PDF) for Genetic Behavior in Fruit Flies (Drosophila Melanogaster)
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
16-4-2013 10:00 AM
End Date
16-4-2013 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Daniel Toma
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Second Mentor's Name
Adam Voss
Second Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Fifty years ago, Dr. Jerry Hirsch discovered there is a genetic basis for complex behavior of fruit flies using flies selected for an extreme response to gravity (geotaxis). Geotactically positive fruit flies will tend to go toward the direction of gravity (Lo), and negative individuals will travel against gravity (Hi)- through a vertical (T-choice) maze. These flies were subsequently used as models for the genetic basis of complex behavior. Toma et al. found a significant effect of the Pdf protein in the response to geotaxis. Flies unable to make this protein are geotactically high (negative). We identified several proteins in the literature that interact with Pdf and obtained fly lines mutant (unable to make) these proteins. These are each being bred into a geotactically neutral laboratory line (CS) to test the effect of these proteins on geotaxis. We ran the CS through the maze as a control, and we have begun to run the CS with the individual mutations through. From the direction chosen by the flies, we hope to establish a relationship between the particular proteins affecting geotaxis behavior.
Identification of Proteins in the Pigment Dispersion Factor Pathway (PDF) for Genetic Behavior in Fruit Flies (Drosophila Melanogaster)
CSU Ballroom
Fifty years ago, Dr. Jerry Hirsch discovered there is a genetic basis for complex behavior of fruit flies using flies selected for an extreme response to gravity (geotaxis). Geotactically positive fruit flies will tend to go toward the direction of gravity (Lo), and negative individuals will travel against gravity (Hi)- through a vertical (T-choice) maze. These flies were subsequently used as models for the genetic basis of complex behavior. Toma et al. found a significant effect of the Pdf protein in the response to geotaxis. Flies unable to make this protein are geotactically high (negative). We identified several proteins in the literature that interact with Pdf and obtained fly lines mutant (unable to make) these proteins. These are each being bred into a geotactically neutral laboratory line (CS) to test the effect of these proteins on geotaxis. We ran the CS through the maze as a control, and we have begun to run the CS with the individual mutations through. From the direction chosen by the flies, we hope to establish a relationship between the particular proteins affecting geotaxis behavior.
Recommended Citation
Boon, Laura and Nilsu Demirci. "Identification of Proteins in the Pigment Dispersion Factor Pathway (PDF) for Genetic Behavior in Fruit Flies (Drosophila Melanogaster)." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/poster-session-A/13
