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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 14: Posters: Neurophysics

BP 14.3: Poster

Montag, 16. März 2015, 17:30–19:30, Poster A

Mechanotransduction in the pentamere organ of the Drosophila larva — •Achintya Prahlad¹, Ben Warren², Martin Göpfert², and Christoph Schmidt¹ — ¹Drittes Physikalisches Institut, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen — ²Schwann-Schleiden Research Centre, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster uses mechanosensation for several purposes. One class of specialized organs are the chordotonal organs, such as the antennal auditory organ of the adult, and the larval pentamere organ (or lch5). The sensory neurons at the core of these organs have one dendrite, which terminates in a cilium. The cilia are believed to be the main mechanotransducers. The lch5 organ aids in locomotion by giving feedback to the central nervous system. We focus on this organ because its sensory neurons are well accessible to manipulation under the microscope.

Some molecular and anatomical aspects of these organs have been studied. However, an understanding of the internal transduction mechanics and the manner in which membrane channels are activated upon deflection of the cilium is still elusive. We are using a preparation of the larva under buffer solution that allows us to directly contact the sensory neurons of the lch5 after removing 2-3 layers of muscles. Our approach is to provide controlled mechanical stimuli to the cilia and measure the mechanical and electrical response.