University of California-Los Angeles · BiochemistryNeural Circuit Dynamics Lab
Volker Hartenstein · Los Angeles, California
Research Focus
Dr. Volker Hartenstein's lab at UCLA studies how brain circuits develop and control behavior, using fruit flies (Drosophila) as a model organism. The team focuses on a specific brain circuit involved in navigation, investigating how neurons are connected and how they function to help flies find food and avoid danger. By mapping these connections and employing genetic tools, they aim to understand both larval and adult brain functions and their adaptations during development.
neural circuitsDrosophilanavigationconnectomicsgene manipulationbehavioral analysis
Research Aims
3AIM 01Map the neural circuits involved in navigation in Drosophila larvae and adults.
AIM 02Investigate the developmental changes in navigation-related neurons from larvae to adults.
AIM 03Test the functional roles of identified neuron classes in navigation behaviors.
Skills the Lab Values
genetic screeningoptogeneticsDrosophila husbandryneuroanatomical mappingimage analysisdata collection and analysisbehavioral assaysmolecular biology techniques
Output against the department
Publications293top 22% of dept.89th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations96ktop 2% of dept.7th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
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