The nervous systems of animals utilize a wide variety of chemicals for neuronal communication, including small molecule neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are by far the most diverse signalling molecules, controlling a range of essential physiological processes including feeding, metabolism, sleep, stress, reproduction, development and locomotion. The Zandawala Lab is interested in understanding how neuropeptides mediate these effects in Drosophila melanogaster as well as other arthropods. We utilize multiple approaches including standard molecular and anatomical techniques, CRISPR/Cas9, Drosophila genetics, behavioral analyses, optogenetics, calcium imaging, single-cell transcriptomics and connectomics.
Recent work from the lab

- Savas et al. (2026) Nature communications: Feeding decision-making by a single neuron via disparate neurotransmitters:

- Gera et al. (2025) eLife: Anti-diuretic hormone ITP signals via a guanylate cyclase receptor - Rei...