Summary
Our research group is interested in context-dependent modulation of behaviors and physiological processes by neuropeptides and their G-protein coupled receptors.
The nervous systems of animals utilize a wide variety of chemicals for neuronal communication. These include amino acids, biogenic amines, and neuropeptides amongst others. Neuropeptides are by far the most diverse, and control a range of essential physiological processes including feeding, metabolism, sleep, stress, reproduction, development and locomotion. We use the fruit fly and other arthropods like ticks to understand how neuroendocrine systems modulate diverse behaviors and physiological processes. Our work focuses on dissecting the function of neuropeptides in regulating feeding, metabolism, stress, and circadian rhythms. By combining functional genomics with synapse-resolution connectomics, we aim to build a comprehensive picture of how these ancient signaling molecules orchestrate complex actions.
