Understanding the biological basis of behavior is crucial for gaining insights into human nature, treating behavioral disorders and improving overall well-being. Efforts to understand the biological basis of behavior have largely emphasized the role of neurons. However, examples across life show that behavior can occur in lieu of or in cell types outside of neurons.
This thesis presents work exploring the mechanisms underlying multiple behaviors using the model system Drosophila melanogaster. Chapter 2 provides evidence for the influence of glia on courtship, aggression, and sleep. Chapter 3 characterizes a Drosophila model of autism spectrum disorder, finding that genetic neuronal manipulation of a single gene can cause pathologies beyond the nervous system. Chapter 4 investigates the connection between sleep behavior and oxidative stress response, demonstrating metabolism as a probable mediator of this relationship. Altogether, this work supports a wider definition for the biological basis of behavior.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:columbia.edu/oai:academiccommons.columbia.edu:10.7916/wmgc-1961 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Tener, Samantha Jill |
| Source Sets | Columbia University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Theses |
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