The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $660,000 Project Grant under the Biological Sciences (CFDA 47.074) program to the University of Southern California (USC) to conduct research on RNA editing of ion channels and its impacts on synaptic plasticity and behavioral adaptations in Drosophila melanogaster. This 4-year research project aims to investigate how rapid, non-genetic changes in gene expression and neural function enable organisms to adapt their behaviors to changing environments. The work will focus on understanding the role of RNA editing in regulating glutamatergic and calcium signaling at synapses, and how these mechanisms contribute to homeostatic control of neural function and behavior. The project will also provide research experiences for local high school teachers and students, and communicate the findings to the broader public through presentations at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
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