BCCN Seminar

15:00

Analysis of Functional Principles of the Central Pattern Generator for Locomotion in Drosophila Larvae

Romina Geiger, IZN Neurobiologie, Heidelberg

Brain function is based on multiple layers of neuronal networks that interact with each other in complex ways to process information in a behaviorally meaningful manner. However, it is poorly understood how network functions like oscillation and discrete firing patterns arise, how they are controlled and what their precise role is in the determination of behavior.
To shed light on the functional principles of neuronal networks we decided to focus on a very small network of only few yet uncharacterized neurons that are directly relevant for behavior: the central pattern generator (CPG) controlling peristaltic locomotion of Drosophila larvae. This CPG is organized in a segmentally repeated pattern within the larval ventral cord, each CPG subunit controls the contraction of body wall muscles of its hemisegment and their coordinated action is responsible for the typically observable peristaltic contraction waves. In addition to stereotypic forward locomotion, a range of further movements including strong or weak turns, backwards movements, substrate digging and escape responses have to be supported. How these movements are coordinated and how the CPG function is controlled to generate the required outputs is currently unknown.
In my project I examine the role of the neuro-modulator octopamine in regulating the output of the larval CPG. Furthermore I am dissecting the role of the NMDAR in larval locomotion since it is a promising candidate a participant in oscillation processes, that are a core feature of CPGs. Insights from this study could be used to develop and verify a mathematical CPG model that in turn will help together with experimental data to evaluate the functional principles of small neuronal networks.

SR 25, INF 328, Heidelberg