Ph.D. Texas A&M University, College Station

Neuropeptides derived from peptidergic neurons or neurosecretory cells regulate a wide array of physiological events in vertebrates as well as in invertebrates. Functions of neuropeptides are essential for the biological rhythms, growth, olfactory perception, sensitivity to drugs, reproduction, behaviors, etc. Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are excellent invertebrate model system as diverse genetic and transgenic tools are available for this species. Using fruit flies, our lab has been studying functions of various neuropeptides and genetic bases of the development of the peptidergic neurons and regulatory mechanisms of neuropeptide gene expression. Particular interests recently are to understand the molecular genetic mechanisms as to how specific peptidergic neurons undergo apoptotic degeneration during metamorphic development. We are also interested in understanding how the peptidergic signaling is responsible for alcohol-related behavior.

Lee G, Sehgal R, Wang Z, Park JH. (2019) Ultraspiracle-independent anti-apoptotic function of ecdysone receptors is required for the survival of larval peptidergic neurons via suppression of grim expression in Drosophila melanogaster. Apoptosis 24, 256-268.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10495-019-01514-2.

Lee G, Kim J, Kim Y, Yoo S, Park JH. (2018) Identifying and monitoring neurons that undergo metamorphosisregulated cell death (metamorphoptosis) by a neuron-specific caspase sensor (Casor) in Drosophila melanogaster.  Apoptosis 23, 41-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10495-017-1435-6.

Yoo S, Lam H, Lee C, Lee G, Park JH. (2017). Cloning and functional characterizations of an apoptogenic Hid gene in the Scuttle Fly, Megaselia scalaris (Diptera; Phoridae). Gene 604, 9-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2016.11.043.

Sha K, Choi S-H, Im J, Lee G, Loeffler F, Park JH. 2014. Regulation of alcohol-related behavior and alcohol metabolism by peptidergic neurons producing Corazonin and its receptor. PloS ONE 9(1): e87062.

Lee G, Kikuno K, Nair S, Park JH. 2013. Mechanisms of post-ecydsis-associated cell death of peptidergic neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. Journal of Comparative Neurology 521: 3972-3991.

Lee G, Sehgal R, Wang Z, Nair S, Kikuno K, Chen C-H, Hay B, Park JH. 2013. Essential role of grim-led programmed cell death for the establishment of corazonin-producing peptidergic nervous system during embryogenesis and metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster. Biology Open 2: 283-294.

Lee G, Kikuno K, Bahn JH, Kim K-M, Park JH. 2013. Dopamine D2 Receptor as a cellular component controlling nocturnal hyperactivities in Drosophila melanogaster. Chronobiol. Int. 30(4): 443-459.