I am currently using genetics and pharmacology to investigate two separate phenomena, cardiac rhythmns and female receptivity. Cardiac rhythms of Drosophila originate in a myogenic pacemaker. Other Potassium channels may be involved, but sodium channels do not play a role in heartbeat. We have also found that serotonin, octopamine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine are cardioacceleratory, while a pentapeptide from Limulus slows heartbeat. Female sexual receptivity.
Receptivity is switched on in young adults.
I am studying the genetic and endocrine program underlying the switch-on, using a combination of genetic, physiological, and ethological approaches. I also use JH analogs and JH inhibitors in these studies.