Our research is broadly focused towards understanding the genetic basis and neural circuits underlying circadian clock mediated metabolism, sleep, and memory. 

 

To this end, we use the model organism fruit fly Drosophila that offers convenient tools for conducting comprehensive genetic, molecular and behavioral studies

 

Post-transcriptional regulation of circadian rhythms 

 

Evidence from genetic and molecular approaches contributed significantly to our understanding of the molecular basis of the circadian timing system. The circadian clock is regulated by post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms and one of the most important post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism is regulation via microRNAs. miRNAs are small 22 nucleotide sequences capable of binding to the 3’UTR of mRNAs, leading to either translational repression or mRNA degradation. In this project, we aim to identify miRNAs involved in the circadian regulation through a genetic screen, using two most evident circadian behavioural outputs in drosophila: activity-rest rhythm and sleep-wake cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interaction between circadian clock  and metabolism

 

Recent studies indicate the link between circadian clock and metabolism and interestingly these relationships are bidirectional. While circadian clock orchestrates metabolic systems to optimize energy utilization across the light/dark cycle, changes in metabolism can feedback to the circadian clock. Although studies suggest the interaction between circadian clock and metabolism, the precise mechanisms through which circadian clock and metabolism interacts with each other remains to be largely achieved. To this end, we are examining the the requirement of circadian clock genes in modulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in Drosophila.  Central and peripheral clocks interact with each other to regulate metabolism.  Using a combination of behavioural, genetic and molecular methods we address the role of central and peripheral circadian clocks in regulating metabolism in Drosophila.

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Sleep contribution in memory  and neurodegenration

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Several lines of evidence from recent research outlined the importance of sleep in memory consolidation. While the link between sleep and memory consolidation is well-established, the precise mechanisms underlying this interaction are yet to be understood. We study how sleep contributes to memory consolidation.  Sleep disturbances are frequently associated with neurodegenerative diseases. We also assess whether sleep disruption influence neuro degeneration progression in a sex-specific manner in Drosophila models.

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​​Molecular and neuronal basis of circadian clock precision 

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This long-term (300 generations) study in collaboration with JNCASR, Bangalore is aimed at elucidating the effect of selection for adult emergence during a narrow window of 1h in baseline fruit fly D. melanogaster populations.   We found that with increasing generations, flies selected for emergence in a narrow window of time evolved circadian rhythms with enhanced accuracy and precision.

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