Describing a novel ionotropic receptor in Drosophila feeding behavior
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
Ionotropic receptor 94e (Ir94e) is a gene encoding a ligand-gated ion channel found within the membrane of chemosensory neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. The detection of chemical stimuli via Ir94e is presumed to contribute to feeding behavior in the fly. Ir94e has been described in an ‘uncharacterized’ set of gustatory receptor neurons that demonstrate minimal response to salt. We have generated a genetic tool that allows us to assess the expression pattern and function of the Ir94e gene. Here, I show that mutant Ir94e flies are more sensitive to starvation. Ongoing experiments currently explore the impact of Ir94e on feeding behavior.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Molly Stanley
Graduate Student Mentors
Jacqueline Guillemin
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Neuroscience
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Describing a novel ionotropic receptor in Drosophila feeding behavior
Ionotropic receptor 94e (Ir94e) is a gene encoding a ligand-gated ion channel found within the membrane of chemosensory neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. The detection of chemical stimuli via Ir94e is presumed to contribute to feeding behavior in the fly. Ir94e has been described in an ‘uncharacterized’ set of gustatory receptor neurons that demonstrate minimal response to salt. We have generated a genetic tool that allows us to assess the expression pattern and function of the Ir94e gene. Here, I show that mutant Ir94e flies are more sensitive to starvation. Ongoing experiments currently explore the impact of Ir94e on feeding behavior.