Valentina Kirsch - Research Interest
By studying the unusual RHODOPSIN 7 (RH7) in Drosophila melanogaster, I aim to uncover how it employs a distinct signaling pathway to influence behavior beyond image formation.
Light perception is crucial for many biological
processes. In addition to image formation, it also regulates non-visual
functions such as circadian rhythms and behavioral adaptation.
Rhodopsins are light-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors that convert
light into intracellular signals and play a central role in these
processes. Drosophila melanogaster expresses seven rhodopsins, with RH7 standing out as unique in both structure and function.
In my PhD project, I investigate RH7 using
molecular, biochemical, behavioral and immunohistochemical approaches to
gain a detailed understanding of its specific roles. My research
focuses on identifying the signaling pathway and the proteins involved.