Research

To understand molecular mechanisms of learning and memory and subsequent age-dependent memory decay, we are analyzing Drosophila mutants at the molecular, cellular and behavioral level. To this end, we are taking two complementary approaches. We are analyzing learning and memory in mutants known to be disrupted for synaptic plasticity and we are analyzing synaptic plasticity in mutants disrupted for learning and memory. Thus, we are combining imaging electrophysiological approaches with behavioral and synaptic transmission in Drosophila .

The linotte gene is involved in learning of olfactory acquisitions. Its gene product is expressed in postsynaptic muscle cells at neuromuscular junctions and at the input regions of the mushroom bodies, critical structures involved in olfactory learning. We are studying its function at synapses using electrophysiological and imaging techniques. The linotte gene product is shown in green, the nerve terminals in red and the muscle nuclei in blue.

Staff