Mohammed A. Khallaf

Natural statistics of host odours predict species-specific olfactory behaviours in Drosophilids

The paper shows that Drosophila species prefer odour components most distinctive in their natural host blends, revealing that olfactory behaviours exploit the statistical structure of odour environments.

Evolutionary basis of intermale sexual behavior by multiple pheromone switches in Drosophila

The paper identifies pheromonal changes in Drosophila species that drive intermale sexual behavior and prevent hybridization with sibling species.

TENM4 is an essential transduction component for touch

This study identifies TENM4 as an essential extracellular linker protein for mechanotransduction in mechanoreceptors, showing its role in touch sensitivity.

Quantitive variation of male and female-specific compounds in 99 drosophilid flies

The paper quantifies sex-specific compounds in 99 drosophilid species, showing significant variation in concentrations that may contribute to reproductive isolation.

Touch sensation requires the mechanically-gated ion channel Elkin1.

This study identifies Elkin1 as a novel mechanically-activated ion channel essential for touch and pain sensation, independent of Piezo2.

Large-scale characterization of sex pheromone communication systems in Drosophila

The paper characterizes sex pheromone communication systems in Drosophila by analyzing phylogenetic and chemical traits across 99 species, identifying 51 sex-specific compounds and their roles in reproductive isolation.

Mate discrimination among subspecies through a conserved olfactory pathway

The paper identifies two male-specific pheromones in Drosophila mojavensis subspecies and shows how they contribute to sexual isolation through conserved sensory pathways and differential interpretation.

Functional integration of \"undead\" neurons in the olfactory system

The paper shows that inhibiting programmed cell death in Drosophila olfactory neurons generates functional 'undead' neurons that integrate into circuits and contribute to evolutionary differences in carbon dioxide sensing.

The making of an olfactory specialist

This study identifies molecular and neuronal changes underlying behavioural divergence in Drosophila sechellia through mutational analysis and calcium imaging.