We are interested in how complex behaviors are regulated on a molecular level. Our model system is Drosophila male mating behavior. This is a complex, well-described behavior that can be easily studied in the lab. Sex-specific behaviors are a particularly interesting kind of behavior, because there is an additional level of control: Sex-determination that results in sex-specific molecules and regulation. We are using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to study the genes, tissues and processes that regulate male courtship behavior, because of the many powerful genetic, molecular and behavioral tools that are available for this model organism.

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