Neural circuits modulating feeding and locomotion in Drosophila larvae

对不同模型系统的研究已经确定了调节食物搜索和摄入行为不同方面的各种神经元组。然而，将这些神经元连接成一个功能网络的努力才刚刚开始。我们的实验室一直在研究一组表达神经肽hugin的神经元，它控制果蝇幼虫的食物摄入和运动。投射到前脑的那类胡金神经元与进食有关，而投射到腹神经索的那类胡金神经元与运动有关。在这个提议中，我们将研究hugin神经元与先前表征的以及新发现的神经元在控制食物摄入和运动行为中的相互作用，以响应食欲和厌恶的感觉线索。这将使用分子遗传学，连接组学和电生理学方法，结合成像和行为测定，以阐明这些基本行为背后的感觉运动网络。

Studies in different model systems have identified various groups of neurons that regulate different aspects of food search and intake behaviors. However, efforts to interconnect these neurons into a functional network is just at the beginning stages. Our lab has been studying a group of neurons that expresses the neuropeptide hugin and which controls food intake and locomotion in Drosophila larvae. The class of hugin neurons that project to the protocerebrum is involved in feeding, whereas the one that projects to the ventral nerve cord is involved in locomotion. In this proposal, we will investigate the interaction of hugin neurons with previously characterized as well as newly identified neurons in controlling food intake and locomotive behaviors in response to appetitive and aversive sensory cues. This will be done using molecular genetic, connectomic and electrophysiological approaches, combined with imaging and behavioral assays, to elucidate the sensory-motor networks that underlie these fundamental behaviors.