Dickson Group
Barry Dickson (Scientific Director, Senior Scientist)
Neural circuits
We use molecular genetic techniques to study the function of neural circuits in Drosophila. Our goal is to understand how information processing in defined neural circuits generates complex animal behaviours. As a model system, we focus on the fly’s mating behaviours. These behaviours are robust, adaptive, and particularly amenable to genetic analysis.
Selected Publications
- von Philipsborn, AC., Liu, T., Yu, JY., Masser, C., Bidaye, SS., Dickson, BJ. (2011). Neuronal control of Drosophila courtship song. Neuron. 69(3):509-22 (abstract)
- Ribeiro, C., Dickson, BJ. (2010). Sex peptide receptor and neuronal TOR/S6K signaling modulate nutrient balancing in Drosophila. Curr Biol. 20(11):1000-5 (abstract)
- Spitzweck, B., Brankatschk, M., Dickson, BJ. (2010). Distinct protein domains and expression patterns confer divergent axon guidance functions for Drosophila Robo receptors. Cell. 140(3):409-20 (abstract)
- Yu, JY., Kanai, MI., Demir, E., Jefferis, GS., Dickson, BJ. (2010). Cellular organization of the neural circuit that drives Drosophila courtship behavior. Curr Biol. 20(18):1602-14 (abstract)
- Häsemeyer, M., Yapici, N., Heberlein, U., Dickson, BJ. (2009). Sensory neurons in the Drosophila genital tract regulate female reproductive behavior. Neuron. 61(4):511-8 (abstract)
