Tsunoda, Susan
PROJECT SUMMARY
The ability of animals to detect sensory stimulation, generate appropriate motor responses, and adapt
detection mechanisms to changes in stimuli is crucial for survival. All of this signaling depends on the
coordinated action of ion channels in the membranes of neurons. For example, there are Na+ channels
specially evolved to carry out the fast depolarization of the neuronal membrane, as well as a wide range of
K+ channels that subsequently repolarize the membrane and shape the action potential (AP) output of a
neuron. In the proposed studies, the PI will test the role of KNa/slo2 channels, whose molecular identity
has, relatively speaking, only recently been described. KNa/slo2 channels are Na+-activated K+ channels,
which may have evolved to provide a protective “brake” on membrane depolarization when neurons are
over-stimulated. Although a neuroprotective role against over-excitation and a physiological role in sensory
transduction/adaptation have been suggested, these role(s) of KNa/slo2 channels remain controversial.
The PI proposes to use Drosophila as an in vivo model to address questions about how Na+ activates
KNa/slo2 channels to affect neuronal signaling and behavior. The studies will look directly at AP firing and
neuronal excitability, and explore behavioral effects on responsiveness to touch stimulation. Finally, the
studies will use hyper-excitable genetic mutants with enhanced Na+ currents to test whether KNa/dslo2
channels are indeed able to counter over-excitation.
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