Functional characterization of neurons in the Drosophila medulla, which is the first processing center for color vision, using a behavioural assay

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One of the functions of the eye is the detection of color information in the environment. In Drosophila, the inner photoreceptor cells R7 and R8 are specialized for this task, while the outer photoreceptors R1-R6 are involved in motion detection. R1-R6 project to the outer part of the optic lobe, the lamina, while R7 and R8 target a deeper layer, the medulla. The medulla contains ~20,000 neurons belonging to at least 17 different cell types and is thought to be the main processing center for color vision. However, the function of the individual cell types is still unknown. While the host lab is currently characterizing connectivity in the medulla, and is reconstructing the anatomy of the circuitry, it is important to analyze the function of each cell type. I propose to functionally characterize different classes of medulla neurons by using a color vision behavioral assay that has been established in the host lab, in collaboration with the Heisenberg lab in Würzburg. In order to achieve this goal, I will develop tools that allow me to manipulate neuronal activity exclusively in each particular cell type in the medulla. I will then inhibit individual classes of medulla neurons and test the respective flies for their ability to discriminate between blue and green light in a behavioral assay. The proposed study will add functional data to the anatomical map of the Drosophila medulla and will provide insight into the mechanism of color information processing in the brain.