Student Information

Shauna MorrellFollow

Faculty

Science

Supervisor Name

Dr. Anne Simon

Description

Social isolation can create major implications on how an individual behaves. From humans to mice and even fruit flies, social interactions are an important aspect of life. Social isolation can also affect the expression of Neuroligin-3 (nlg3), an Autism candidate gene important in social space. When knocked out, this gene can impair the way flies sense their surroundings and can increase their social spacing. Using Canton-S (control), and two nlg3 mutants (PGS and nlg3Def1) I analyze the effect of social isolation on longevity (life span) in Drosophila melanogaster.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the Simon Lab for providing me with a space to learn alongside so many bright and inspiring students. I would also like to thank Western Research and the USRI program for giving me this wonderful opportunity to help prepare me for future research initiatives.

Document Type

Paper

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Examining the effect of social isolation on longevity in Drosophila melanogaster

Social isolation can create major implications on how an individual behaves. From humans to mice and even fruit flies, social interactions are an important aspect of life. Social isolation can also affect the expression of Neuroligin-3 (nlg3), an Autism candidate gene important in social space. When knocked out, this gene can impair the way flies sense their surroundings and can increase their social spacing. Using Canton-S (control), and two nlg3 mutants (PGS and nlg3Def1) I analyze the effect of social isolation on longevity (life span) in Drosophila melanogaster.