We study Drosophila mutants that have severe behavioral abnormalities. By determining the genetic and molecular bases of these abnormalities, we are able to unravel new and basic features of nervous system structure and function in insects. Our approach is to use a combination of methodologies including classical and molecular genetics, behavior, electrophysiology, and neuroanatomy. Properly signaling in the nervous system depends on molecules which underlie action potential genesis and synaptic transmission. Signaling may be examined genetically and molecularly using mutations which disrupt these molecules.
Defects are manifest behaviorally as hyperexcitability or paralysis.
Currently under study in the laboratory is the hyperexcitability mutant Shaker and the paralytic mutants bangsenseless , easily shocked , bang sensitive , and paralytic . During development, nerve cells must navigate toward their targets using molecules that mark pathways and other molecules in growth cones that respond to the pathway makers. One targets are reached, nerve connections must be established and stably maintained. Specific behavioral mutants may be used to dissect apart this process. Currently under study in the laboratory are mutations that disrupt the escape behaviors of flight and jump.