Research in the lab is focused on elucidating the role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the generation of plastic behavior. Discovered in the late 1970's, this kinase has been implicated in both the development and function of the nervous system. CaMKII is found in high concentrations in both vertebrate and invertebrate neurons. It has been shown to be activated by calcium influx to phosphorylate substrate proteins and to autophosphorylate. Regulatory autophosphorylation makes CaMKII a candidate "molecular switch" that may be essential for memory formation.

The most interesting, and eventually the most informative, way to understand the role of CaMKII in the nervous system is to look at this single problem from multiple angles. We are undertaking an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding the role of CaMKII in neuronal function and whole animal behavior. We work with Drosophila melanogaster, an organism that is ideally suited to this type of approach. The genetic tools available in Drosophila facilitate the testing of biochemical hypotheses in intact neurons and freely behaving animals. The lab works at three different levels: organismal (behavior, genetics); cellular (electrophysiology); and biochemical (CaMKII regulation and substrate phosphorylation). Our long-term goal is to integrate information from all of these approaches to build a detailed biochemical pathway of CaMKII action in plastic behavior.

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