Odor Sensitivity Effects in 5-HT1A Receptor Knock-down in Vinegar Fly Local Interneurons

Samuel K. Francis*, Oliver M. Cook, and Andrew M. Dacks
Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Presentation No.: 91

Assigned Category (Presentation Format): Neuroscience (Poster Presentations)

Student’s Major: Biology (B.S.)

Neuromodulation is a mechanism by which neural networks adjust behavior in response to input from stimuli. In most animals, neuromodulation plays a critical role in finding food, by deciding how information about odors is processed by the brain. Neuromodulation relies on neurons that interpret small pieces of information, known as the local interneurons. Here, we investigate the role of 5-HT1A serotonin receptor expression in certain local interneurons of Drosophila melanogaster (vinegar fly) brains, due to their structural similarity to human brains. Using an established assessment known as the “T-Maze” and RNA interference, we evaluated the odor perception of vinegar flies with reduced 5-HT1A receptor expression in certain local interneurons while using apple cider vinegar as a stimulus at concentrations of 1:10 and 1:100. Both concentrations yielded participation and performance index averages with no significant differences between the control and experimental genotypes (p>0.05), meaning these receptors might not play a large role in odor perception. Results like these could help us understand the neural mechanisms of the vinegar fly and, subsequently, better understand the human mind.

Funding:

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's SURE program (Rita Rio & Michelle Richards-Babb)