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Dean of School of Life Science at Peking University Visits IHB
Prof. RAO Yi, a molecular neurobiologist and dean of School of Life Science at Peking University, paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) on Jan.15, 2010. During his stay at the institute, he made a presentation entitled "Molecular and Cellular Basis of Courtship Behavior”.
Prof. RAO Yi paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) on Jan.15, 2010.
In his presentation, Prof. Rao introduced the genetic analysis of social behaviors in Drosophila: aggressive behavior, courtship behavior and mother-son relationship. By establishing the model systems that can control (restrain or activate) gene specific expression from spatial and temporal aspect, Rao studies the function that 5HT, 5HT1bR receptor and fruitless gene play in controlling courtship behavior of Drosophila. He put forward the hypothesis on genetic circuit and elucidated the influence of 5HT on courtship behavior in mice and the research on maternal behavior.
The video Rao played during his presentation demonstrates the courtship behavior of Drosophila and the mother-son relationship of mice. It does not only support Rao’s conclusion, but also indicates the significance of conducting research on social behavior.
