The role of Cryptochrome in neuronal transmission and network interactions in Drosophila melanogaster

生物钟是一种内源性振荡器，在我们的生理和行为中传播24小时的节奏。这种节奏被环境线索所携带，并用于预测光线和温度的环境变化。生物钟通过转录-翻译反馈环来调节生物钟基因的节律性表达。在果蝇中，CLOCK和CYCLE作为反馈回路的正调节器，而PERIOD和TIMLESS作为负调节器。果蝇中的蓝光敏感蛋白CRY是一种昼夜光感受器。在光的存在下，CRY启动TIMELESS的降解，从而重置分子钟。有趣的是，CRY还在果蝇视觉系统、神经元活动和磁感受中发挥作用。考虑到这一点，本项目的目的是研究CRY在幼虫神经肌肉接头的神经生理学中的作用，并随后将这些发现转化为成年苍蝇。

The circadian clock is an endogenous oscillator which propagates 24-hour rhythms in our physiology and behaviour. Such rhythms are entrained by environmental cues and function to anticipate ambient changes in light and temperature. The clock operates through a transcriptional-translational feedback loop to regulate the rhythmic expression of clock genes. In Drosophila melanogaster, CLOCK and CYCLE function as positive regulators of the feedback loop, whereas PERIOD and TIMLESS function as negative regulators. CRYPTOCHROME (CRY), a blue-light sensitive protein, serves as a circadian photoreceptor in Drosophila. In the presence of light, CRY initiates the degradation of TIMELESS, thereby resetting the molecular clock. Interestingly, CRY also displays roles in the Drosophila visual system, neuronal activity and magnetoreception. With this in mind, the aim of this project is to investigate the role of CRY in neuronal physiology in the larval neuromuscular junction and subsequently, translate these findings to the adult fly.