Nicotine Exposure Rescues the Locomotory Defects of TRPA1 Loss of Function Flies

Nicotine is a very common substance: it is a plant-produced pesticide and is frequently used as a stimulant for humans. It is toxic at high doses and can cause nicotine poisoning, which is harmful for humans and lethal in flies (Velazquez-Ulloa, 2017). Experiments have identified that nicotine exposure affects the TRPA1 chemosensory cation channel (Talavera et al., 2016; Kang et al., 2010). Previously, student data has shown that nicotine exposure extends the lifespan of TRPA1 mutant flies compared to a control group of wild type flies. TRPA1 is responsible for thermotaxis and pain reception (Neely et al., 2007). These experiments seek to find a link between exposure to nicotine and survivability of TRPA1 loss of function flies via exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of nicotine. After understanding survivability to nicotine exposure, circadian rhythm and motor activity using a DAM (Drosophila activity monitor), will be measured. TRPA1 mutant, nicotine-exposed flies are expected to survive and exhibit increased locomotion as adults compared to wild type flies.