MSc Exit Seminar – Ashpreet Saini (Levine lab)

MSc Exit Seminar

Monday January 11th, 9:30 am – Room HSC 330, University of Toronto at Mississauga

Ashpreet Saini (Levine lab)

“Characterizing Genes Associated with Social Interactions in Drosophila melanogaster“

Abstract

Social behaviour is seen among a variety of organisms. Drosophila melanogaster engages in many social behaviours including courtship and mating. The fly has also exhibited the ability to alter the rhythmic timing of its behaviours based on the social composition of the group. The rhythmic timing of behaviours in Drosophila is regulated by the endogenous biological clock. There are many crucial components of the circadian clock, which work together to help regulate behavioural rhythms. Some of these components, such as clock genes, can thereby be used to examine the status of the clock. The aim of this work is to characterize the role that the CG42343 locus plays in directing social interactions. We demonstrate that the CG42343 locus plays a role in regulating social interactions through changes in expression levels of clock genes, and that this phenomenon is likely mediated through chemosensory signaling.