Jessie Moore
Griffith Laboratory
Department of Biology
Brandeis University
Exploring the Effects of Sleep by let-7 on Mushroom Body Development in Drosophila
Poster Abstract
Drosophila rest is a sleep-like state and can be utilized to better understand the mechanisms of mammalian sleep. Both the mushroom body and circadian clock play a key role in Drosophila sleep regulation. Let-7 has been found to regulate mushroom body development through its targets, such as chinmo and abrupt. Let-7 is a microRNA, which are short, noncoding RNAs that help regulate gene expression. Inhibiting let-7 produces a reduced sleep phenotype.
We aimed to further explore the involvement of let-7 in mushroom body development and circadian rhythms, and the effects of two potential let-7 targets, abrupt and chinmo, on sleep regulation. We found that let-7 is not required in PDF+ neurons and that chinmo may also regulate sleep.
Personal Statement
This summer, I worked diligently to continue my research on the microRNA, let-7, and its role in sleep regulation in Drosophila. I have been working with this microRNA since sophomore year, but only during the academic year. I was fortunate to receive funding through the M.R. Bauer Foundation in order to focus on my research throughout the summer months. Without the stress of my academics, I was able to conduct numerous sleep experiments, perform DNA extractions, and even learn a new technique, brain dissections.
I am very grateful to the MR Bauer Foundation to have been given this opportunity. This summer has strengthened my passion for research and further driven my goal of contributing to science. My professional goal is to become a research physician, leading clinical trials and conducting groundbreaking research that will help the lives of many. My experiences this summer have encouraged me to pursue research in the future.