Barbara Battelle Barbara Battelle studies biochemical and molecular mechanisms that may underlie circadian- and light-driven changes in photoreceptor sensitivity and responsiveness to light. Professor of Neuroscience Investigator, Whitney Laboratories Training Postdoc -Neuroscience and Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Ph.D. Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY B.A. Biology/Chemistry, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY Contact phone: 904.461.4022 office: Whitney Labs lab: Whitney Labs email:battelle@whitney.ufl.edu Whitney Lab site Photoreceptors are the cells in the eye that detect and respond to light, and their ability to detect and respond to light is modulated by both light and signals from internal 24-hour (circadian) clocks. Light- and clock-driven changes in photoreceptor function are critical for normal vision, yet the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We apply the techniques of cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics to investigate these mechanisms. Current projects focus on elucidating light and circadian changes in gene expression, in protein trafficking, and protein phosphorylation. Studies are conducted with cells in vivo and in vitro and with recombinant expressed proteins. Recent Publications Sequential phosphorylation of visual arrestin in intact Limulus photoreceptors: Identification of a highly light-regulated site. Sineschchekova, O.O., Cardasis, H.L., Severance, E.G., Smith, W.C., and Battelle, B-A. Visual Neuroscience 2004 Sept 21(5):715-724. Limulus opsins: Diurnal regulation of expression. Dalal, J-S, Jinks, R.N., Cacciatore, C., Greenberg, R.M., Battelle, B-A. Visual Neuroscience 2003 Sept 20(5):523-534 Circadian efferent input to Limulus eyes: anatomy, circuitry, and impact. Battelle BA. Microsc Res Tech. 2002 Aug 15;58(4):345-55. Multiple mechanisms of rhabdom shedding in the lateral eye of Limulus polyphemus. Sacunas RB, Papuga MO, Malone MA, Pearson AC Jr, Marjanovic M, Stroope DG, Weiner WW, Chamberlain SC, Battelle BA. J Comp Neurol. 2002 Jul 15;449(1):26-42.