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.