the Dahanukar Lab

Research in the Dahanukar Lab focuses on understanding the molecular and neuronal mechanisms underlying chemosensory behaviors in flies and mosquitoes. We investigate receptors and cells of the insect taste system that are involved in detecting specific chemical cues present in host plants and animals. Our work extends from the molecular level to neural circuits responsible for taste perception and behavior. We apply a multi-disciplinary approach spanning molecular genetics, high-throughput genomics, electrophysiology, imaging, behavior and evolutionary analysis.