Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Optogenetic Stimulation Of Drosophila Heart Rate At Different Temperatures And Ca2+ Concentrations, Yuechen Zhu, Henry Uradu, Zana R. Majeed, Robin L. Cooper
Optogenetic Stimulation Of Drosophila Heart Rate At Different Temperatures And Ca2+ Concentrations, Yuechen Zhu, Henry Uradu, Zana R. Majeed, Robin L. Cooper
Biology Faculty Publications
Optogenetics is a revolutionary technique that enables noninvasive activation of electrically excitable cells. In mammals, heart rate has traditionally been modulated with pharmacological agents or direct stimulation of cardiac tissue with electrodes. However, implanted wires have been known to cause physical damage and damage from electrical currents. Here, we describe a proof of concept to optically drive cardiac function in a model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. We expressed the light sensitive channelrhodopsin protein ChR2.XXL in larval Drosophila hearts and examined light‐induced activation of cardiac tissue. After demonstrating optical stimulation of larval heart rate, the approach was tested at low temperature …
Modulatory Action By The Serotonergic System: Behavior And Neurophysiology In Drosophila Melanogaster, Zana R Majeed, Esraa Abdeljaber, Robin Soveland, Kristin Cornwell, Aubrey Bankemper, Felicitas Koch, Robin L. Cooper
Modulatory Action By The Serotonergic System: Behavior And Neurophysiology In Drosophila Melanogaster, Zana R Majeed, Esraa Abdeljaber, Robin Soveland, Kristin Cornwell, Aubrey Bankemper, Felicitas Koch, Robin L. Cooper
Biology Faculty Publications
Serotonin modulates various physiological processes and behaviors. This study investigates the role of 5-HT in locomotion and feeding behaviors as well as in modulation of sensory-motor circuits. The 5-HT biosynthesis was dysregulated by feeding Drosophila larvae 5-HT, a 5-HT precursor, or an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase during early stages of development. The effects of feeding fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, during early second instars were also examined. 5-HT receptor subtypes were manipulated using RNA interference mediated knockdown and 5-HT receptor insertional mutations. Moreover, synaptic transmission at 5-HT neurons was blocked or enhanced in both larvae and adult flies. The …