Gilmer, Orian

My project focuses on developing CRISPR-Cas9-based knock-in and knock-out strategies to precisely target and modify genes in Apis mellifera, such as biogenic amines receptors. These biogenic amines (i.e octopamine, tyramine) play a pivotal role in the hive social organisation, but also in sensory responses, learning and memory.

Using both these approaches, I aim to improve our understanding of the behavioural implication of specific neurotransmitter receptors in the honeybee brain. First, the knock-in of these endogenous genes with molecular tags, such as the green fluorescent protein (GFP), will enable detailed anatomical and functional analysis of the receptor distribution in the honeybee brain. Then, the knock-out of these same genes will allow to investigate their role in pathways regulating different behaviours.

A key goal of this work is to establish a detailed molecular framework and brain map to better understand how different neuromodulatory signaling pathways contribute to behavioral regulation in a eusocial insect.

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