Abstract
Coordinated locomotor behavior is critical for the survival and propagation of an individual and is modulated by internal and external sensory inputs. The microbiota regulates host metabolism, which is closely intertwined with motor behavior. However, little is known regarding influences by the gut microbiome on host locomotion, or the pathways involved. The work presented in this thesis examines microbial regulation of locomotor behavior from both bacterial and host perspectives. Removal of the microbiota results in hyperactivity in female D. melanogaster, which is reversible through colonization with specific bacteria or administration of bacterial-derived products, including xylose isomerase (Xi) from Lactobacillus brevis. We found that Xi modulates host speed via sugar metabolism and octopamine signaling in flies. Additionally, aspects of microbial regulation of host locomotion appear to be conserved in mice. This work suggests that microbial modulation of host physiology extends beyond local intestinal effects to locomotor behavior through alterations in energy-related pathways.
Item Type: | Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.)) |
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Subject Keywords: | Microbiota; Locomotion; Behavior; Drosophila |
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Degree Grantor: | California Institute of Technology |
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Division: | Biology and Biological Engineering |
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Major Option: | Biology |
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Awards: | Everhart Distinguished Graduate Student Lecturer Award, 2016. |
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Thesis Availability: | Public (worldwide access) |
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Research Advisor(s): | |
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Thesis Committee: | - Lester, Henry A. (chair)
- Anderson, David J.
- Gradinaru, Viviana
- Mazmanian, Sarkis K.
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Defense Date: | 14 August 2018 |
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Funders: | Funding Agency | Grant Number |
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NIH Training Grant | 5T32 GM07616 | NIH | NS085910 | Center for Environmental Microbiology Interactions | UNSPECIFIED | Heritage Medical Foundation | UNSPECIFIED |
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Record Number: | CaltechTHESIS:08222018-105935103 |
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Persistent URL: | https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:08222018-105935103 |
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DOI: | 10.7907/Z1DX-4J03 |
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Related URLs: | |
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ORCID: | |
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Default Usage Policy: | No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided. |
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ID Code: | 11154 |
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Collection: | CaltechTHESIS |
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Deposited By: |
Catherine Schretter
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Deposited On: | 27 Aug 2018 21:18 |
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Last Modified: | 04 Oct 2019 00:23 |
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