Molecular Biology and Pharmacology of Neuromodulator Receptors

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Dr. Page will examine the gene structure, distribution of gene expression, and ligand specificity of two biogenic amine receptors whose genes have been cloned. Biogenic amines modulate behavior similarly in both invertebrates and vertebrates. They are particularly interesting due to their implication in human neurological disorders including schizophrenia, manic depression, and drug addiction. Some insects provide an ideal model system for studying the role of biogenic amines in behavioral control due to the caste structure of their societies which results in the division of stereotypic behavioral repertoires between individuals according to sex, caste, and age. Dr. Page's work will provide a complete molecular genetic characterization of two insect receptor genes. This will include the localization of gene expression in the central nervous system in insects of each sex and caste. Antibodies will be produced for each of the receptor proteins for use in protein regulation studies. Finally, the receptors will be expressed in Baculovirus transfected insect cells and a ligand binding profile of each receptor will be determined. This work will provide the basis for future studies describing the genetic basis of behavioral control and social integration.