My research interest includes two parts: one is neuronal plasticity, the other is advanced light microscopy and image analysis.

How brain maintains its plasticity throughout life in response to changes in developmental and environment? The research in my lab is trying to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the remodeling and plasticity of neuroendocrine cell. We use a genetic model organism, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) to study the remodeling of a group of neuroendocrine cells and the behaviors these cells control. Our research involves neurobiology, developmental biology, cell biology, molecular genetics, animal behavior, and advanced imaging.

Advanced light microscopy has become more and more important not only in life science, but also in many other science fields including material and structure science, engineering science etc. How to apply and improve advance light microscope techniques, such as fluorescent live imaging, deep tissue multi-photon imaging, FRET, FLIM, and FRAP? I have been collaborated with many labs inside and outside of university to promote research involving advanced light microscopy and image analysis.

• Gu, T.*, Tao, T.*, and Hewes, RS. (2017) The large and small SPEN family proteins stimulate axon outgrowth during neurosecretory cell remodeling in Drosophila. Dev Biol. 431 (2):226 -238 (*co-first author)
• Chen, D., Gu, T., and Hewes, RS. (2017) Regulatory Mechanisms of Metamorphic Neuronal Remodeling Revealed Through a Genome-Wide Modifier Screen in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 206(3)1429-1443.
• Gu, T., Zhao, T., and Hewes, RS. (2014) Insulin signaling regulates neurite growth during ecdysone-dependent neuronal remodeling. Biology Open 3(1):81-93
• Shakiryanova, D., Zettel, G., Gu, T., Hewes, Rr S., and Levitan, ES. (2011) Synaptic neuropeptide release induced by octopamine without Ca2+ entry into the nerve terminal. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108(11):4471-4481
• Zhao, T., Gu, T., Rice, H., Gauthier, SA., Lawson, K., Roark, KM. and Hewes, RS. (2008) A Drosophila gain-of-function screen for candidate genes controlling steroid-dependent neuroendocrine cell remodeling. Genetics 178:1-19
• Shakiryanova, D., Klose, M., Zhou, Y., Gu, T., Deitcher, D., Atwood, H., Hewes, R., and Levitan, E. (2007) Presynaptic ryanodine receptor-activated calmodulin kinase II increases vesicle mobility and potentiates neuropeptide release. Journal of Neuroscience 27(29):7799-7806
• Hewes, R., Gu, T., Jordan, B., Qu, C., and Zhao, T. (2006) Regulation of secretory proteins in adult cells by a neuroendocrine differentiation factor. Journal of Neuroscience 26(30):7860-7869.