We are interested in the cellular and molecular substrates underlying chemosensory perception. We recently identified a neuropeptide-dependent circuit that underlies perception of a gustatory sex pheromone (Shankar et al., 2015). We are investigating further the role of neuropeptides and other downstream effectors in mediating the long-term effects of pheromone perception.
Tissue and image prepared by Kah Junn Tan and Meredith Calvert.
Pheromones influence fundamental decisions related to survival and reproduction. We are interested in the chemical signals that underlie these decisions and the downstream behavioral and physiological effects that are triggered by pheromones.
Photo credit: Klaus Dreisewerd and Joanne Yew
We have analyzed live flies and fly tissue with TOFs, FTs, ion traps, DESI, DART, and ToF-SIMS MS. We rely primarily on DART MS, FALDI MS, and GC MS and are always looking for new methods of ionization and lipid structural elucidation.
Lipid pheromones on the cuticular surface are regulated by overlapping biosynthetic pathways used for general lipid metabolism. We seek to understand how cuticular lipid profiles are influenced by physiology and vice-versa.
Sections and images prepared by Yin Ning Chiang.
