Anne von Philipsborn
Dandrite, Aarhus University
Neuronal circuits for fly sexual behaviour
Drosophila sexual behaviour is an excellent model system for circuit neuroscience, with the functional role of genes and specific neuronal components for different behavioural element described. We study courtship and copulation in males and females to uncover mechanisms of sensory integration, action selection, encoding of internal state, neuromodulation and motor control. In particular, we are interested in sex-specific acoustic signalling during reproduction and the multi-functionality of motor circuits generating patterned courtship song as well as flight movements in males.