The role of serotonin in the control of feeding behavior in Drosophila

项目简介：本研究计划的主要目的是阐明5-羟色胺（5-HT）在果蝇摄食及摄食相关行为中的作用。5-羟色胺影响脊椎动物和无脊椎动物的摄食行为，但其发生的精确分子机制在很大程度上是未知的。5-羟色胺还影响许多其他可能影响进食的行为和生理过程，如运动、昼夜节律和消化。我将利用基因上易于处理的果蝇来解决以下问题：5-羟色胺是如何影响摄食和其他摄食相关行为的？是否有特定的5-HT神经元亚群直接影响进食？血清素受体在这些行为中的作用是什么？我将以以下具体目标来解决这些问题：5-羟色胺信号的功能丧失和功能获得操作。目标2。5-HT神经元亚群的鉴定和表征。目标3。摄食行为中5-羟色胺受体的分析。与公共卫生的相关性：肥胖是全世界数百万人面临的严重健康问题。在美国，超过65%的成年人和15%的儿童被认为超重。探索模式生物的摄食行为将促进我们理解复杂的行为状态，如饥饿和饱腹感，是如何在神经系统中受到控制的。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Project summary: The major goal of this research proposal is to elucidate the function of serotonin (5-HT) in feeding and feeding-related behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster. 5-HT affects the feeding behavior of both vertebrates and invertebrates, however the precise molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are largely unknown. 5-HT also influences numerous other behaviors and physiological processes that could affect feeding such as locomotion, circadian rhythm and digestion. Using the genetically tractable fruit fly, I will address the following questions: How does 5-HT affect both feeding and other feeding-related behaviors? Are there specific subpopulations of 5-HT neurons that affect feeding directly? What is the role of the serotonin receptors in these behaviors? I will address these questions with the following specific aims: Aim 1. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function manipulations of 5-HT signaling. Aim 2. Identification and characterization of 5-HT neuronal subsets. Aim 3. Analysis of 5-HT receptors in feeding behavior. Relevance to public health: Obesity is a serious health concern that confronts millions of people worldwide. In the U.S., more than 65% of adults and 15% of children are considered overweight. Exploration of feeding behavior in model organisms will promote our understanding of how complex behavioral states, such as hunger and satiety, are controlled in the nervous system.