LABORATORY OF PHYSIOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENTAL GENETICS

 Research lines

In the Laboratory of Physiology and Developmental Genetics we study the molecular basis of neuroendocrine circuits that control aspects of development and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. We are focused on the study of a signaling pathway involving a hormone member of the insulin-like peptide family, Dilp8, and its G protein-coupled receptor, Lgr3. Two lines of work are currently being developed in the laboratory:

1) Hormonal modulation of neuronal circuits: a sharp peak of Dilp8 production occurs in the epidermis of the Drosophila larva as it transforms into a pupa. Dilp8 acts on a neuronal population expressing the LGR3 receptor and induces a series of stereotyped behaviors required for puparium formation. This line focuses on the study of the mechanisms by which Dilp8 modulates the activity of the motor circuits involved in this behavior. The ultimate goal is to understand how a neuronal network can give rise to different motor patterns in response to hormonal signals that modulate its functioning.

2) Role of Dilp8 in ovogenesis and reproduction: Dilp8 is also expressed in follicular cells surrounding mature oocytes. This line of research is focused on describing how Dilp8 modulates reproductive function.