Tomchik, Seth

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 disease (NF-1) is a neurogenetic disorder affecting the eyes, skin, bones and the peripheral and the central nervous systems. Some NF-1 patients also have additional cognitive deficits, including increased risk for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disrupted sleep. The NF1 gene is highly conserved between human and Drosophila melanogaster. For this reason, Drosophila melanogaster was chosen for the project. The behavior of both wild-type and NF1 mutants was observed and recorded using an activity monitor.

The purpose of this project was to understand the effects of therapeutic antidepressants with respect to circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. Antidepressants are known to have a role in dopamine and serotonin signaling pathways. These pathways have been observed to have a role in circadian rhythm, the biological process involving sleep patterns. In the experiments completed thus far, it has been observed that the flies administered antidepressants have more fractioned sleep than the control group flies. It has also been noted that normal light to dark sleep cycles are altered significantly in the flies given antidepressants. It is important to research and to understand the effects of antidepressants in Drosophila melanogaster because it could lead to a more effective way to administer antidepressants to humans without harmful side effects.