Kristen M. Lee

The paper shows that cell body clustering of Drosophila MDNs enables gap junction-mediated synchronous activity essential for backward walking.

This study shows that Hunchback (Hb) in Drosophila larval MDN neurons restricts axon outgrowth, synapse formation, and backward locomotion by maintaining mature neuronal identity.

This study shows Hunchback activates Bicoid in post-mitotic Pair1 neurons to regulate synapse number and circuit function in Drosophila larvae.

The paper shows that the MDN-Pair1 neural circuit persists through metamorphosis in Drosophila and maintains similar locomotor function in larvae and adults.