PATTERNING THE FLY RETINA FOR COLOR VISION

描述（改编自研究者摘要）：果蝇复眼 由800个小眼组成，每个小眼包含两个视觉系统， 执行不同的功能。拟议实验的具体目标是： (1)调查R7和R8之间信号的方向和定时， 确定哪对rh在给定的小眼中表达（p vs. y）;（2） 测试模型，视紫红质本身能够影响命运 光感受器及其大脑投射，也参与了 R7和R8之间的通讯;（3）表征和鉴定特异性基因 每个亚型的光感受器，使用p-和y-特异性cDNA文库， （4）设计显性遗传筛选器， 负责精确的p/y比率，使用一种技术来识别p或y 小眼在活苍蝇与绿色荧光蛋白;并追求隐性镶嵌屏幕， 确定正确的rh表达和通信所需的功能 在R7和R8之间。这项工作可能会导致理解如何沟通 在感觉感受器细胞之间，以及这些细胞和大脑之间， 结构，允许在开发过程中建立正确的连接 来处理感官信息。

DESCRIPTION (adapted from investigator's abstract): The Drosophila compound eye consists of 800 ommatidia, each of which contains two visual systems that perform different functions. The specific aims of the proposed experiments are: (1) Investigate the direction and timing of the signal between R7 and R8 that determines which pair of rh is expressed in a given ommatidium (p vs. y); (2) Test the model that the Rhodopsins themselves are able to influence the fate of a photoreceptor and its brain projection, and are also involved in the communication between R7 and R8; (3) characterize and identify genes specific to each subtype of photoreceptors, using p- and y-specific cDNA libraries and differential display; (4) Design a dominant genetic screen to identify factors responsible for the precise p/y ratio, using a technique to identify p or y ommatidia in live flies with GFP; and pursue a recessive mosaic screen to identify functions necessary for proper rh expression and for the communication between R7 and R8. This work may lead to an understanding of how communication among sensory receptor cells, as well as between these cells and the brain structures, allows establishment of the correct connections during development for processing sensory information.