Interoceptive circuits

We are interested in mechanisms of interoception. The sensing of internal body status is essential for proper functioning of organ systems. In contrast to signals from the classical senses, such as touch, vision, and taste, which have been studied in detail, we are only beginning to understand the sensory circuits that monitor and modulate internal body organs. We study the functions of internal sensory neurons in Drosophila larvae, focusing on neurons that innervate the respiratory system. We have identified diverse anatomy and chemoreceptor expression in different internal sensory neurons pointing to extensive functional heterogeneity of this system. We propose that this system comprises a major interoceptive system in Drosophila with roles in monitoring a range of internal chemical states, many of which are yet to be explored. Our current studies focus on identifying the roles for interoceptors in physiological homeostasis, from the molecular to behavioral levels.