Research in my laboratory is focused on how neurons in the CNS of Drosophila acquire unique cell fates during neurogenesis. In particular we are examining the specification of neurons that synthesize serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter conserved throughout the animal kingdom. An understanding of the mechanism that leads to differentiation of these neurons will provide molecular tools that can be used to investigate the physiological function of serotonin.
