Issa's Group

Locomotion is an evolutionarily conserved and early-emerging output of the nervous system. Its impairment leads to a wide range of movement disorders. Our research aims to uncover the genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern locomotor system function across the lifespan, and to understand how disruptions in these processes contribute to neurological disease. Ultimately, this work seeks to inform strategies for brain repair and functional recovery.

Key Research Questions

• How do genetic programs shape locomotor system function in response to environmental constraints?
  We investigate natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster from sub-Saharan Africa, particularly from northern Nigeria, to identify genetic ancestry components that drive adaptive changes in locomotor behavior.
• What are the genetic bases of human movement disorders?
  In collaboration with clinicians in northern Nigeria, we aim to identify particular genetic mutations associated with movement disorders and model these variants in Drosophila melanogaster to uncover their functional impact.

Research Approaches / Technologies

• Model organism: Drosophila melanogaster
• Genomics and sequencing
• Imaging and microscopy
• Behavioral assays
• Clinical collaborations

Collaborations

Dr. Saleh Joji – Neurologist, Yobe State Teaching Hospital