Neurobiology

Rachel I. Wilson , Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Neurobiology

Wilson Lab Website: http://wilson.med.harvard.edu/

The goal of our research is to understand how sensory stimuli are encoded in a relatively simple, genetically tractable brain-that of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We are particularly interested in the representations of chemical (olfactory and gustatory) stimuli. We are seeking to discover how stimuli are encoded in each brain region as a function of neural connectivity, synaptic physiology, and intrinsic conductances.

We use electrophysiological techniques, particularly whole-cell patch clamp recording and extracellular single-unit recording, to record from neurons in the Drosophila brain. Using the Gal4-UAS system, we can label identified cell groups with a fluorescent marker in order to target our electrodes to specific neuronal populations. Targeted genetic manipulations are also used to test predictions about the role of specific types of neurons and conductances in forming sensory representations.

In the near future, we will begin using behavioral assays and functional imaging of genetically-encoded fluorescent activity probes to complement electrophysiological methods.