Uncovering the Neural Circuitry of SIFa-regulated Rhythmic Feeding Behaviors
Major
Neuroscience
Anticipated Graduation Year
2022
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
SIFamide is a neuropeptide in the fruit fly that has been found to be necessary for regulating normal feeding rhythms. However, a question that still remains is exactly where it binds to mediate feeding rhythms. Using tools like RNAi, qPCR, and FLIC, our lab is using a temperature-sensitive and intersectional approach to find where SIFa receptor expression is necessary for normal feeding rhythms. Pending qPCR results, it appears that SIFa receptor expression is not required in the ventral nerve cord and central brain for normal feeding rhythms, suggesting that SIFa is binding outside the neurons to mediate feeding rhythms.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Daniel Cavanaugh, PhD, Biology Department
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Uncovering the Neural Circuitry of SIFa-regulated Rhythmic Feeding Behaviors
SIFamide is a neuropeptide in the fruit fly that has been found to be necessary for regulating normal feeding rhythms. However, a question that still remains is exactly where it binds to mediate feeding rhythms. Using tools like RNAi, qPCR, and FLIC, our lab is using a temperature-sensitive and intersectional approach to find where SIFa receptor expression is necessary for normal feeding rhythms. Pending qPCR results, it appears that SIFa receptor expression is not required in the ventral nerve cord and central brain for normal feeding rhythms, suggesting that SIFa is binding outside the neurons to mediate feeding rhythms.