Understanding how flies process touch signals in their nervous system
Official title: Mapping and Modeling the Spatial Topography of Tactile Neural Circuits in Drosophila
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11172227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how fruit flies use their nervous system to feel touch and move in response, helping us understand how their brains process sensory information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2024 |
| Project end | February 16, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS134135-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11172227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with sensory processing disorders or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to sensory processing or those not experiencing tactile sensory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the nervous system of the fruit fly, Drosophila, localizes tactile signals to produce appropriate motor responses. By examining the connections between different types of neurons, the study aims to understand how tactile information from the legs is represented in the fly's ventral nerve cord. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including genetic labeling and electron microscopy, to map the structure and connectivity of sensory neurons involved in touch processing. This work could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of sensory processing in nervous systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing, potentially leading to advancements in treating sensory disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While this research focuses on a specific model organism, similar studies in other species have shown promising results in understanding sensory processing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elabbady, Leila — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Elabbady, Leila
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.