Description

Visual circuit neurons in Drosophila.

As geneticists, the Stenesen Lab is interested in the encoding, processing and utilization of biological information. Beyond the molecular, our investigations extend into the nervous system with the goal of understanding how sensory information is transmitted to influence a behavioral response. To discover the basis of such events we employ genetic and cell biological approaches within the Drosophila model system.

Current Projects

Nociception

Nociception is the sensory response to harmful stimuli. This process is commonly associated with the sense of pain, and is how body tissues are protected from damage. We utilize the nociceptive escape response of Drosophlia to monitor the impact of genetic and cellular alterations on circuit function.