Reich, Laura Atkins2020-09-292020-09-292020https://hdl.handle.net/1794/2580750 pagesAnimal behavior requires coordination between the nervous and muscular systems. These systems communicate within and between one another at specialized subcellular structures, allowing cells to coordinate their activity to achieve movement. One type of communication used by both systems are gap junction channels (GJCs). GJCs are built by the large Connexin (Cx) family of proteins, which enable direct small molecule exchange between cells. However, it is unknown how individual Cxs contribute to behavior; our goal was to identify the specific Cxs contributing to behavior using genetic and behavioral analyses. We used embryonic zebrafish to address this question due to its genetic access and spontaneous coiling, a behavior requiring GJCs. We developed an automated behavioral tracking system and confirmed its accuracy for quantifying the coiling phenotype of zebrafish using wildtype and Cx mutants with muscle defects. Additionally, we performed preliminary antibody staining to identify protein expression of neural Cxs in embryonic zebrafish. Results suggest expression of neural Cxs at neurons required for coiling behavior. Further work will unravel the mechanisms of Cxs in the nervous system and musculature.en-USBiologyZebrafishBehaviorGap Junction ChannelsConnexinsGeneticsSpontaneous CoilingThesis/Dissertation