Coordination of neuropeptide signaling in the Drosophila clock output network
The Drosophila clock network is a network of peptidergic oscillators, with neuropeptides coordinating network activity and conveying time-of-day information to circadian output regions that regulate circadian behavior and physiology. While connectivity within the clock network is well-established, how the clock conveys time-of-day information to output regions remains unknown. Both clock neurons, and neurons within the pars intercerebralis (PI), a major circadian output hub, secrete multiple neuropeptides and small molecule neurotransmitters that may work in concert. Using clock-neuron-specific CRISPR, we have identified novel output neuropeptides that play sex-specific roles in regulating circadian rest-activity behavior. Clock neurons provide time-of-day specific signals to the PI via both neuropeptides and small molecule neurotransmitters. Further, we have identified intra-PI connectivity which allows integration of time-of-day cues with additional sensory inputs to guide appropriate behavior selection in complex environments.
Date: 25 July 2022, 12:00
Venue: Sherrington Library, off Parks Road OX1 3PT
Venue Details: Sherrington Library, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics
Speaker: Annika Barber (Rutgers, University of New Jersey)
Organising department: Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG)
Organiser: Fiona Woods (University of Oxford, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour)
Organiser contact email address: fiona.woods@cncb.ox.ac.uk
Part of: CNCB Seminar Series
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Fiona Woods