1. We established a screening method to use GRASP (GFP Reconstitution Across Synaptic Partners) to search for synaptic connectivity and connectivity mutations. We performed a candidate screen and found known and unknown determinants of wiring and neuronal function. One new factor that We identified in the Drosophila olfactory system was the Drosophila homologue of FMRP the causative gene of fragile X syndrome in humans (Franco et al., 2017).
2. We established a correlative analysis of circuit variability with behavioral variability and I could show that they are causally related to each other. Interestingly, we found especially asymmetry in neuronal wiring to have causal links for selective attention and therefore the behavioral outcome.
3. We established manipulations of circuit variability to alter the behavioral outcome. Using cell signaling pathways We were able to change a behaviorally relevant circuit and we were able to show that these changes on the circuit level alter behavior.
4. We published 2 research articles (listed below) in the course of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action and 3 more are in late stages before publication. We were part of several public engagement activities to promote science to the general public.
1. Reduced Lateral Inhibition Impairs Olfactory Computations and Behaviors in a Drosophila Model of Fragile X Syndrome
LM Franco, Z Okray, GA Linneweber, BA Hassan, E Yaksi
Current Biology 27
2. A simple computer vision pipeline reveals the effects of isolation on social interaction dynamics in Drosophila
G Liu, T Nath, GA Linneweber, A Claeys, Z Guo, J Li, M Bengochea, ...PLoS computational biology 14 (8), e1006410
