The Wang Lab is interested in the neural circuit mechanisms behind complex animal behaviors, including innate and learned ones. Specifically, the lab will focus on three goals: 1) elucidating the neural circuit basis for specific behaviors, 2) evaluating the computational capability of different circuit structures, and 3) understanding how such structure and capability evolves during different developmental stages. 

Innate behaviors as well as the responsible neural circuits are thought to be largely genetically hardwired. We study the neural circuits behind the courtship and reproductive behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster. In previous work we identified three types of command neurons which control, respectively, egg laying (Nature, 2020), vaginal plate opening (Nature, 2021), and ovipositor extrusion (Curr Biol, 2020) – three female-specific innate behaviors. Next, we will take advantage of the connectomic and genetic resources to draw comprehensive pictures of neural circuits behind these innate behaviors. Meanwhile, we will study their working principles by functional means. Specifically, we will focus on studying the circuit mechanisms for: 1) generation and regulation of sequential behavior; 2) action selection; 3) modulation of motor programs by sensory feedback; and 4) auditory information processing. 

In another direction, the lab will explore the neural basis for cognitive development which, unlike the innate behavior, relies on both genetic and environmental factors. We will use common marmosets as a model system. By collaborating with other labs in CEBSIT, we will combine behavioral observation, genetic manipulation, and neuronal activity recording to study the vocal development process in marmosets, aiming to better understand how genetic and environment factors influence the cognitive development at the circuit level. 

Interested in joining our lab? E-mail wangfei@ion.ac.cn.