Dr. Annina Huser
Main Focus
The role of
serotonin on learning and memory in Drosophila
melanogaster – a behavioral and anatomical approach
Although Drosophila larvae are rather small animals, they are able to orientate in its environment based on olfactory, visual and gustatory information. But sensory input is not only used to navigate; sensory experience also influences behavior based on prior experience – called learning and memory.
To analyze classical pavlovian conditioning at lab conditions we use an olfactory learning assay by pairing an odor (CS) with a reinforcer (US) e.g. sugar or salt. Using the transgenic UAS-GAL4-system, we are able to genetically manipulate different subsets of cells in Drosophila melanogaster and to explore the function of (e.g.) a single molecule or cell while performing a specific behavior. My goal of interest is to investigate the role of the neurotransmitter and -modulator serotonin (5HT) and its receptors in learning and memory processes. Due to the link between behavior and anatomy, I attempt to characterize 5HT-positive neurons affecting learning and memory on a single cell level in the larval brain.
Although Drosophila larvae are rather small animals, they are able to orientate in its environment based on olfactory, visual and gustatory information. But sensory input is not only used to navigate; sensory experience also influences behavior based on prior experience – called learning and memory.
To analyze classical pavlovian conditioning at lab conditions we use an olfactory learning assay by pairing an odor (CS) with a reinforcer (US) e.g. sugar or salt. Using the transgenic UAS-GAL4-system, we are able to genetically manipulate different subsets of cells in Drosophila melanogaster and to explore the function of (e.g.) a single molecule or cell while performing a specific behavior. My goal of interest is to investigate the role of the neurotransmitter and -modulator serotonin (5HT) and its receptors in learning and memory processes. Due to the link between behavior and anatomy, I attempt to characterize 5HT-positive neurons affecting learning and memory on a single cell level in the larval brain.
Curriculum Vitae
- Mar 2010: Bachelor of Science (major), Biology, University of Fribourg (CH)
- Mar 2010: Bachelor of Science (minor), Musicology, University of Fribourg (CH)
- Nov 2012: Master of Science, Biology, University of Fribourg (CH)
- Apr 2018: PhD in Biology, University of Konstanz (Germany)