Beatriz Blanco-Redondo
Exploring Neurological Diseases and Drug Therapies Through Genetic Manipulation of Drosophila
Brain Dynamics Graduate School invites you to the next talk within our Seminar Series:
- Beatriz Blanco-Redondo, PhD
Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University Leipzig
"Exploring Neurological Diseases and Drug Therapies Through Genetic Manipulation of Drosophila melanogaster"
21st March 2025, 12:00
Paul Flechsig Institute - Center of Neuropathology and Brain Research, Room 3093, Liebigstraße 19 (Haus C), 04103 Leipzig
Abstract:
The ability to precisely modify genetic sequences in Drosophila melanogaster has revolutionized the study of molecular structure-function relationships in this powerful model organism. The use of CRISPR/Cas9, combined with recombinase systems like the bacteriophage serine integrase ΦC31, has streamlined Drosophila mutagenesis—enabling targeted deletions, insertions, and modifications to uncover the functional significance of genetic elements. Our research focuses on unraveling the role of Remoulade (Remo), a recently discovered adhesion GPCR (aGPCR) in Drosophila, with potential implications for future drug development. Additionally, we explore the genetic underpinnings of rare neurodegenerative diseases such as NEDCAM (Neurodevelopmental Disorder with Cerebellar Atrophy and Motor Dysfunction). Leveraging Drosophila’s powerful genetic toolkit, we generate knock-outs, knock-ins, and transgenic lines to investigate gene function, expression patterns, and phenotypic consequences—paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience and beyond.