Deciphering mechanisms of neurotransmitter specification in Drosophila melanogaster (360G-Wellcome-105357_Z_14_Z)

This project aims to uncover the logic of neurotransmitter specification in the developing central nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster. In the insect nervous system neuroblasts constitute the fundamental developmental units, each generating a defined set of nerve cells. Although the various neuroblast lineages have been well characterised in Drosophila melanogaster in terms of cell number, morphology, and position within a segment, for most lineages it still remains unknown what neurotransmitters the cells produce and by what mechanisms different neurotransmitter phenotypes are specified. The first objective of the project is to characterise the neurotransmitter type of neuronal lineages in the ventral nerve cord, focusing initially on a few lineages that the lab has direct genetic access to. The second objective will use the information gained about the principal patterning of neurotransmitter types in lineages to investigate the mechanisms by which neurotransmitter type is specified. Targeted DamID will be performed in collaboration with Tony Southall to uncover the genetic profiles of lineages that produce different neurotransmitters. The third objective will be to test candidate genes from the Targeted DamID for involvement in neurotransmitter specification, and thus understand the mechanisms by which this important element of neuronal functionality is established during development.