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.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 16th, 10:00 AM Apr 16th, 12:00 PM

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