1
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Zhu Z, Miao L, Li K, Ma Q, Pan L, Shen C, Ge Q, Du Y, Yin L, Yang H, Xu X, Zeng LH, Liu Y, Xu H, Li XM, Sun L, Yu YQ, Duan S. A hypothalamic-amygdala circuit underlying sexually dimorphic aggression. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00457-4. [PMID: 39019042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Male animals often display higher levels of aggression than females. However, the neural circuitry mechanisms underlying this sexually dimorphic aggression remain elusive. Here, we identify a hypothalamic-amygdala circuit that mediates male-biased aggression in mice. Specifically, the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl), a sexually dimorphic region associated with eliciting male-biased aggression, projects densely to the posterior substantia innominata (pSI), an area that promotes similar levels of attack in both sexes of mice. Although the VMHvl innervates the pSI unidirectionally through both excitatory and inhibitory connections, it is the excitatory VMHvl-pSI projections that are strengthened in males to promote aggression, whereas the inhibitory connections that reduce aggressive behavior are strengthened in females. Consequently, the convergent hypothalamic input onto the pSI leads to heightened pSI activity in males, resulting in male-biased aggression. Our findings reveal a sexually distinct excitation-inhibition balance of a hypothalamic-amygdala circuit that underlies sexually dimorphic aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenggang Zhu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lu Miao
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kaiyuan Li
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingqing Ma
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lina Pan
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chenjie Shen
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qianqian Ge
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yonglan Du
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Luping Yin
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Institute of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Han Xu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan-Qin Yu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
| | - Shumin Duan
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China; Research Units for Emotion and Emotion Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Baker CA, Guan XJ, Choi M, Murthy M. The role of fruitless in specifying courtship behaviors across divergent Drosophila species. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1273. [PMID: 38478605 PMCID: PMC10936877 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Sex-specific behaviors are critical for reproduction and species survival. The sex-specifically spliced transcription factor fruitless (fru) helps establish male courtship behaviors in invertebrates. Forcing male-specific fru (fruM) splicing in Drosophila melanogaster females produces male-typical behaviors while disrupting female-specific behaviors. However, whether fru's joint role in specifying male and inhibiting female behaviors is conserved across species is unknown. We used CRISPR-Cas9 to force FruM expression in female Drosophila virilis, a species in which males and females produce sex-specific songs. In contrast to D. melanogaster, in which one fruM allele is sufficient to generate male behaviors in females, two alleles are needed in D. virilis females. D. virilis females expressing FruM maintain the ability to sing female-typical song as well as lay eggs, whereas D. melanogaster FruM females cannot lay eggs. These results reveal potential differences in fru function between divergent species and underscore the importance of studying diverse behaviors and species for understanding the genetic basis of sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiao-Juan Guan
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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3
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Peedikayil-Kurien S, Setty H, Oren-Suissa M. Environmental experiences shape sexually dimorphic neuronal circuits and behaviour. FEBS J 2024; 291:1080-1101. [PMID: 36582142 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dimorphic traits, shaped by both natural and sexual selection, ensure optimal fitness and survival of the organism. This includes neuronal circuits that are largely affected by different experiences and environmental conditions. Recent evidence suggests that sexual dimorphism of neuronal circuits extends to different levels such as neuronal activity, connectivity and molecular topography that manifest in response to various experiences, including chemical exposures, starvation and stress. In this review, we propose some common principles that govern experience-dependent sexually dimorphic circuits in both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. While sexually dimorphic neuronal circuits are predetermined, they have to maintain a certain level of fluidity to be adaptive to different experiences. The first layer of dimorphism is at the level of the neuronal circuit, which appears to be dictated by sex-biased transcription factors. This could subsequently lead to differences in the second layer of regulation namely connectivity and synaptic properties. The third regulator of experience-dependent responses is the receptor level, where dimorphic expression patterns determine the primary sensory encoding. We also highlight missing pieces in this field and propose future directions that can shed light onto novel aspects of sexual dimorphism with potential benefits to sex-specific therapeutic approaches. Thus, sexual identity and experience simultaneously determine behaviours that ultimately result in the maximal survival success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hagar Setty
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Meital Oren-Suissa
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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4
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Roggenbuck EC, Hall EA, Hanson IB, Roby AA, Zhang KK, Alkatib KA, Carter JA, Clewner JE, Gelfius AL, Gong S, Gordon FR, Iseler JN, Kotapati S, Li M, Maysun A, McCormick EO, Rastogi G, Sengupta S, Uzoma CU, Wolkov MA, Clowney EJ. Let's talk about sex: Mechanisms of neural sexual differentiation in Bilateria. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1636. [PMID: 38185860 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, sexed gonads have evolved that facilitate release of sperm versus eggs, and bilaterian animals purposefully combine their gametes via mating behaviors. Distinct neural circuits have evolved that control these physically different mating events for animals producing eggs from ovaries versus sperm from testis. In this review, we will describe the developmental mechanisms that sexually differentiate neural circuits across three major clades of bilaterian animals-Ecdysozoa, Deuterosomia, and Lophotrochozoa. While many of the mechanisms inducing somatic and neuronal sex differentiation across these diverse organisms are clade-specific rather than evolutionarily conserved, we develop a common framework for considering the developmental logic of these events and the types of neuronal differences that produce sex-differentiated behaviors. This article is categorized under: Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Roggenbuck
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elijah A Hall
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Isabel B Hanson
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alyssa A Roby
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Katherine K Zhang
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kyle A Alkatib
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Joseph A Carter
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jarred E Clewner
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna L Gelfius
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Shiyuan Gong
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Finley R Gordon
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jolene N Iseler
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Samhita Kotapati
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marilyn Li
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Areeba Maysun
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elise O McCormick
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Geetanjali Rastogi
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Srijani Sengupta
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chantal U Uzoma
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Madison A Wolkov
- MCDB 464 - Cellular Diversity: Sex Differentiation of the Brain, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - E Josephine Clowney
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute Affiliate, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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5
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Lillvis JL, Wang K, Shiozaki HM, Xu M, Stern DL, Dickson BJ. Nested neural circuits generate distinct acoustic signals during Drosophila courtship. Curr Biol 2024; 34:808-824.e6. [PMID: 38295797 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Many motor control systems generate multiple movements using a common set of muscles. How are premotor circuits able to flexibly generate diverse movement patterns? Here, we characterize the neuronal circuits that drive the distinct courtship songs of Drosophila melanogaster. Male flies vibrate their wings toward females to produce two different song modes-pulse and sine song-which signal species identity and male quality. Using cell-type-specific genetic reagents and the connectome, we provide a cellular and synaptic map of the circuits in the male ventral nerve cord that generate these songs and examine how activating or inhibiting each cell type within these circuits affects the song. Our data reveal that the song circuit is organized into two nested feedforward pathways with extensive reciprocal and feedback connections. The larger network produces pulse song, the more complex and ancestral song form. A subset of this network produces sine song, the simpler and more recent form. Such nested organization may be a common feature of motor control circuits in which evolution has layered increasing flexibility onto a basic movement pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Lillvis
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Dr., Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
| | - Kaiyu Wang
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Dr., Ashburn, VA 20147, USA; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Hiroshi M Shiozaki
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Dr., Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Dr., Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - David L Stern
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Dr., Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Barry J Dickson
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Dr., Ashburn, VA 20147, USA; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia.
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6
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Sun M, Ma M, Deng B, Li N, Peng Q, Pan Y. A neural pathway underlying hunger modulation of sexual receptivity in Drosophila females. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113243. [PMID: 37819758 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Accepting or rejecting a mate is one of the most crucial decisions a female will make, especially when faced with food shortage. Previous studies have identified the core neural circuity from sensing male courtship or mating status to decision-making for sexual receptivity in Drosophila females, but how hunger and satiety states modulate female receptivity is poorly understood. Here, we identify the neural circuit and its neuromodulation underlying the hunger modulation of female receptivity. We find that adipokinetic hormone receptor (AkhR)-expressing neurons inhibit sexual receptivity in a starvation-dependent manner. AkhR neurons are octopaminergic and act on a subset of Octβ1R-expressing LH421 neurons. Knocking down Octβ1R expression in LH421 neurons eliminates starvation-induced suppression of female receptivity. We further find that LH421 neurons inhibit the sex-promoting pC1 neurons via GABA-resistant to dieldrin (Rdl) signaling. pC1 neurons also integrate courtship stimulation and mating status and thus serve as a common integrator of multiple internal and external cues for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Mingze Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Bowen Deng
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Na Li
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Qionglin Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yufeng Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
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7
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Sato K, Yamamoto D. Molecular and cellular origins of behavioral sex differences: a tiny little fly tells a lot. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1284367. [PMID: 37928065 PMCID: PMC10622783 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1284367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral sex differences primarily derive from the sexually dimorphic organization of neural circuits that direct the behavior. In Drosophila melanogaster, the sex-determination genes fruitless (fru) and doublesex (dsx) play pivotal roles in producing the sexual dimorphism of neural circuits for behavior. Here we examine three neural groups expressing fru and/or dsx, i.e., the P1 cluster, aSP-f and aSP-g cluster pairs and aDN cluster, in which causal relationships between the dimorphic behavior and dimorphic neural characteristics are best illustrated. aSP-f, aSP-g and aDN clusters represent examples where fru or dsx switches cell-autonomously their neurite structures between the female-type and male-type. Processed sensory inputs impinging on these neurons may result in outputs that encode different valences, which culminate in the execution of distinct behavior according to the sex. In contrast, the P1 cluster is male-specific as its female counterpart undergoes dsx-driven cell death, which lowers the threshold for the induction of male-specific behaviors. We propose that the products of fru and dsx genes, as terminal selectors in sexually dimorphic neuronal wiring, induce and maintain the sex-typical chromatin state at postembryonic stages, orchestrating the transcription of effector genes that shape single neuron structures and govern cell survival and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Sato
- Neuro-ICT Laboratory, Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamamoto
- Neuro-ICT Laboratory, Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan
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8
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Salzberg Y, Haque R, Oren-Suissa M. The synaptic basis for sexual dimorphism in the invertebrate nervous system. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 82:102757. [PMID: 37572555 PMCID: PMC10506627 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Many animal behaviors are manifested differently in the two sexes of a given species, but how such sexual dimorphism is imprinted in the nervous system is not always clear. One mechanism involved is synaptic dimorphism, by which the same neurons exist in the two sexes, but form synapses that differ in features such as anatomy, molecular content or fate. While some evidence for synaptic dimorphism exists in humans and mammals, identifying these mechanisms in invertebrates has proven simpler, due to their smaller nervous systems and absence of external regulation by sex hormones. This review aims to present the current status of the field in invertebrates, the available toolkit for the study of synaptic dimorphism, and the standing questions that still remain incompletely answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda Salzberg
- Department of Brain Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Brain Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Meital Oren-Suissa
- Department of Brain Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
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9
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Wan X, Shen P, Shi K, Li J, Wu F, Zhou C. A Neural Circuit Controlling Virgin Female Aggression Induced by Mating-related Cues in Drosophila. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1396-1410. [PMID: 36941515 PMCID: PMC10465459 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01050-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Females increase aggression for mating opportunities and for acquiring reproductive resources. Although the close relationship between female aggression and mating status is widely appreciated, whether and how female aggression is regulated by mating-related cues remains poorly understood. Here we report an interesting observation that Drosophila virgin females initiate high-frequency attacks toward mated females. We identify 11-cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA), a male-derived pheromone transferred to females during mating, which promotes virgin female aggression. We subsequently reveal a cVA-responsive neural circuit consisting of four orders of neurons, including Or67d, DA1, aSP-g, and pC1 neurons, that mediate cVA-induced virgin female aggression. We also determine that aSP-g neurons release acetylcholine (ACh) to excite pC1 neurons via the nicotinic ACh receptor nAChRα7. Together, beyond revealing cVA as a mating-related inducer of virgin female aggression, our results identify a neural circuit linking the chemosensory perception of mating-related cues to aggressive behavior in Drosophila females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Peng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Fengming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Chuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
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10
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Steele TJ, Lanz AJ, Nagel KI. Olfactory navigation in arthropods. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2023; 209:467-488. [PMID: 36658447 PMCID: PMC10354148 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-022-01611-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Using odors to find food and mates is one of the most ancient and highly conserved behaviors. Arthropods from flies to moths to crabs use broadly similar strategies to navigate toward odor sources-such as integrating flow information with odor information, comparing odor concentration across sensors, and integrating odor information over time. Because arthropods share many homologous brain structures-antennal lobes for processing olfactory information, mechanosensors for processing flow, mushroom bodies (or hemi-ellipsoid bodies) for associative learning, and central complexes for navigation, it is likely that these closely related behaviors are mediated by conserved neural circuits. However, differences in the types of odors they seek, the physics of odor dispersal, and the physics of locomotion in water, air, and on substrates mean that these circuits must have adapted to generate a wide diversity of odor-seeking behaviors. In this review, we discuss common strategies and specializations observed in olfactory navigation behavior across arthropods, and review our current knowledge about the neural circuits subserving this behavior. We propose that a comparative study of arthropod nervous systems may provide insight into how a set of basic circuit structures has diversified to generate behavior adapted to different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Steele
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU School of Medicine, 435 E 30th St., New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Aaron J Lanz
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU School of Medicine, 435 E 30th St., New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Katherine I Nagel
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU School of Medicine, 435 E 30th St., New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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11
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Taisz I, Donà E, Münch D, Bailey SN, Morris BJ, Meechan KI, Stevens KM, Varela-Martínez I, Gkantia M, Schlegel P, Ribeiro C, Jefferis GSXE, Galili DS. Generating parallel representations of position and identity in the olfactory system. Cell 2023; 186:2556-2573.e22. [PMID: 37236194 PMCID: PMC10403364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In Drosophila, a dedicated olfactory channel senses a male pheromone, cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA), promoting female courtship while repelling males. Here, we show that separate cVA-processing streams extract qualitative and positional information. cVA sensory neurons respond to concentration differences in a 5-mm range around a male. Second-order projection neurons encode the angular position of a male by detecting inter-antennal differences in cVA concentration, which are amplified through contralateral inhibition. At the third circuit layer, we identify 47 cell types with diverse input-output connectivity. One population responds tonically to male flies, a second is tuned to olfactory looming, while a third integrates cVA and taste to coincidentally promote female mating. The separation of olfactory features resembles the mammalian what and where visual streams; together with multisensory integration, this enables behavioral responses appropriate to specific ethological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Taisz
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erika Donà
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Billy J Morris
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Katie M Stevens
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marina Gkantia
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philipp Schlegel
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Gregory S X E Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Dana S Galili
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
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12
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Shen P, Wan X, Wu F, Shi K, Li J, Gao H, Zhao L, Zhou C. Neural circuit mechanisms linking courtship and reward in Drosophila males. Curr Biol 2023; 33:2034-2050.e8. [PMID: 37160122 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Courtship has evolved to achieve reproductive success in animal species. However, whether courtship itself has a positive value remains unclear. In the present work, we report that courtship is innately rewarding and can induce the expression of appetitive short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) in Drosophila melanogaster males. Activation of male-specific P1 neurons is sufficient to mimic courtship-induced preference and memory performance. Surprisingly, P1 neurons functionally connect to a large proportion of dopaminergic neurons (DANs) in the protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) cluster. The acquisition of STM and LTM depends on two distinct subsets of PAM DANs that convey the courtship-reward signal to the restricted regions of the mushroom body (MB) γ and α/β lobes through two dopamine receptors, D1-like Dop1R1 and D2-like Dop2R. Furthermore, the retrieval of STM stored in the MB α'/β' lobes and LTM stored in the MB α/β lobe relies on two distinct MB output neurons. Finally, LTM consolidation requires two subsets of PAM DANs projecting to the MB α/β lobe and corresponding MB output neurons. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that courtship is a potent rewarding stimulus and reveal the underlying neural circuit mechanisms linking courtship and reward in Drosophila males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaolu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kai Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Hongjiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lilin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Chuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
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13
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Mabuchi Y, Cui X, Xie L, Kim H, Jiang T, Yapici N. GABA-mediated inhibition in visual feedback neurons fine-tunes Drosophila male courtship. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525544. [PMID: 36747836 PMCID: PMC9900824 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Vision is critical for the regulation of mating behaviors in many species. Here, we discovered that the Drosophila ortholog of human GABA A -receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is required to fine-tune male courtship by modulating the activity of visual feedback neurons, lamina tangential cells (Lat). GABARAP is a ubiquitin-like protein that regulates cell-surface levels of GABA A receptors. Knocking down GABARAP or GABA A receptors in Lat neurons or hyperactivating them induces male courtship toward other males. Inhibiting Lat neurons, on the other hand, delays copulation by impairing the ability of males to follow females. Remarkably, the human ortholog of Drosophila GABARAP restores function in Lat neurons. Using in vivo two-photon imaging and optogenetics, we show that Lat neurons are functionally connected to neural circuits that mediate visually-guided courtship pursuits in males. Our work reveals a novel physiological role for GABARAP in fine-tuning the activity of a visual circuit that tracks a mating partner during courtship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Mabuchi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Xinyue Cui
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Lily Xie
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Haein Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Tianxing Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nilay Yapici
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
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14
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Abstract
Among the many wonders of nature, the sense of smell of the fly Drosophila melanogaster might seem, at first glance, of esoteric interest. Nevertheless, for over a century, the 'nose' of this insect has been an extraordinary system to explore questions in animal behaviour, ecology and evolution, neuroscience, physiology and molecular genetics. The insights gained are relevant for our understanding of the sensory biology of vertebrates, including humans, and other insect species, encompassing those detrimental to human health. Here, I present an overview of our current knowledge of D. melanogaster olfaction, from molecules to behaviours, with an emphasis on the historical motivations of studies and illustration of how technical innovations have enabled advances. I also highlight some of the pressing and long-term questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Benton
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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The doublesex gene regulates dimorphic sexual and aggressive behaviors in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201513119. [PMID: 36067320 PMCID: PMC9477402 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201513119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most animal species display dimorphic sexual behaviors and male-biased aggressiveness. Current models have focused on the male-specific product from the fruitless (fruM) gene, which controls male courtship and male-specific aggression patterns in fruit flies, and describe a male-specific mechanism underlying sexually dimorphic behaviors. Here we show that the doublesex (dsx) gene, which expresses male-specific DsxM and female-specific DsxF transcription factors, functions in the nervous system to control both male and female sexual and aggressive behaviors. We find that Dsx is not only required in central brain neurons for male and female sexual behaviors, but also functions in approximately eight pairs of male-specific neurons to promote male aggressiveness and approximately two pairs of female-specific neurons to inhibit female aggressiveness. DsxF knockdown females fight more frequently, even with males. Our findings reveal crucial roles of dsx, which is broadly conserved from worms to humans, in a small number of neurons in both sexes to establish dimorphic sexual and aggressive behaviors.
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16
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Endo K, Kazama H. Central organization of a high-dimensional odor space. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 73:102528. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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17
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Tang Y, Fan Z, Yang M, Zhang S, Li M, Fang Y, Li J, Feng X. Low concentrations of the antidepressant venlafaxine affect courtship behaviour and alter serotonin and dopamine systems in zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 244:106082. [PMID: 35078056 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Venlafaxine, a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, is a widely used antidepressant drug routinely detected in aquatic environments. However, its potential impact on courtship behaviour in zebrafish is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that venlafaxine disrupts brain monoamine levels and molecular responses essential for courtship behaviour in zebrafish. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to venlafaxine (1, 10, and 100 μg/L) for 20 days. We evaluated the molecular levels and neuronal basis of the effect of venlafaxine on courtship behaviour. Here, we show that venlafaxine inhibited courtship behaviour in zebrafish and increased the transcript levels of 5-ht1a and 5-ht2c while decreasing the transcript levels of genes involved in the dopaminergic system, including th1, th2, drd1b, and drd2b. Venlafaxine upregulated 5-HT levels and downregulated dopamine levels. Moreover, the subordinate fish from the venlafaxine-exposed group had significantly lower motor activity than the subordinate fish of the control group. Collectively, our results reveal that venlafaxine can disturb brain monoamine levels, affecting courtship behaviour in adult zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiu Tang
- College of Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhi Fan
- The Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information Systems, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mengying Yang
- College of Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shaozhi Zhang
- College of Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Meijuan Li
- Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yongchun Fang
- The Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information Systems, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Jie Li
- Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Xizeng Feng
- Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300222, China.
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18
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Liu TX, Davoudian PA, Lizbinski KM, Jeanne JM. Connectomic features underlying diverse synaptic connection strengths and subcellular computation. Curr Biol 2022; 32:559-569.e5. [PMID: 34914905 PMCID: PMC8825683 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Connectomes generated from electron microscopy images of neural tissue unveil the complex morphology of every neuron and the locations of every synapse interconnecting them. These wiring diagrams may also enable inference of synaptic and neuronal biophysics, such as the functional weights of synaptic connections, but this requires integration with physiological data to properly parameterize. Working with a stereotyped olfactory network in the Drosophila brain, we make direct comparisons of the anatomy and physiology of diverse neurons and synapses with subcellular and subthreshold resolution. We find that synapse density and location jointly predict the amplitude of the somatic postsynaptic potential evoked by a single presynaptic spike. Biophysical models fit to data predict that electrical compartmentalization allows axon and dendrite arbors to balance independent and interacting computations. These findings begin to fill the gap between connectivity maps and activity maps, which should enable new hypotheses about how network structure constrains network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony X. Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University. 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510,These authors contributed equally
| | - Pasha A. Davoudian
- MD/PhD Program, Yale School of Medicine. 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510,These authors contributed equally
| | - Kristyn M. Lizbinski
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University. 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510,These authors contributed equally
| | - James M. Jeanne
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University. 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510,Lead contact,Correspondence: , Twitter: @neurojeanne
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19
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Borrero-Echeverry F, Solum M, Trona F, Becher PG, Wallin EA, Bengtsson M, Witzgall P, Lebreton S. The female sex pheromone (Z)-4-undecenal mediates flight attraction and courtship in Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 137:104355. [PMID: 35007554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Specific mate communication and recognition underlies reproduction and hence speciation. Our study provides new insights in Drosophila melanogaster premating olfactory communication. Mate communication evolves during adaptation to ecological niches and makes use of social signals and habitat cues. Female-produced, species-specific volatile pheromone (Z)-4-undecenal (Z4-11Al) and male pheromone (Z)-11-octadecenyl acetate (cVA) interact with food odour in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, Z4-11Al, which mediates upwind flight attraction in both sexes, also elicits courtship in experienced males. Two isoforms of the olfactory receptor Or69a are co-expressed in the same olfactory sensory neurons. Z4-11Al is perceived via Or69aB, while the food odorant (R)-linalool is a main ligand for the other variant, Or69aA. However, only Z4-11Al mediates courtship in experienced males, not (R)-linalool. Behavioural discrimination is reflected by calcium imaging of the antennal lobe, showing distinct glomerular activation patterns by these two compounds. Male sex pheromone cVA is known to affect male and female courtship at close range, but does not elicit upwind flight attraction as a single compound, in contrast to Z4-11Al. A blend of the food odour vinegar and cVA attracted females, while a blend of vinegar and female pheromone Z4-11Al attracted males, instead. Sex-specific upwind flight attraction to blends of food volatiles and male and female pheromone, respectively, adds a new element to Drosophila olfactory premating communication and is an unambiguous paradigm for identifying the behaviourally active components, towards a more complete concept of food-pheromone odour objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borrero-Echeverry
- Chemical Ecology Unit, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden; Corporación Colombiana de Investgación Agropecuaria, Agrosavia, Mosquera, Colombia
| | - Marit Solum
- Chemical Ecology Unit, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Federica Trona
- Chemical Ecology Unit, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Paul G Becher
- Chemical Ecology Unit, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Erika A Wallin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 85170 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Marie Bengtsson
- Chemical Ecology Unit, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Peter Witzgall
- Chemical Ecology Unit, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden.
| | - Sebastien Lebreton
- Chemical Ecology Unit, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden; IRSEA, Research Institute for Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France
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20
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Peng Q, Chen J, Pan Y. From fruitless to sex: On the generation and diversification of an innate behavior. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12772. [PMID: 34672079 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Male sexual behavior in Drosophila melanogaster, largely controlled by the fruitless (fru) gene encoding the male specific FruM protein, is among the best studied animal behaviors. Although substantial studies suggest that FruM specifies a neuronal circuitry governing all aspects of male sexual behaviors, recent findings show that FruM is not absolutely necessary for such behaviors. We propose that another regulatory gene doublesex encoding the male-specific DsxM protein builds a core neuronal circuitry that possesses the potential for courtship, which could be either induced through adult social experience or innately manifested during development by FruM expression in a broader neuronal circuitry. FruM expression levels and patterns determine the modes of courtship behavior from innate heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, to learned courtship. We discuss how FruM expression is regulated by hormones and social experiences and tunes functional flexibility of the sex circuitry. We propose that regulatory genes hierarchically build the potential for innate and learned aspects of courtship behaviors, and expression changes of these regulatory genes among different individuals and species with different social experiences ultimately lead to behavioral diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qionglin Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufeng Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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21
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Schlegel P, Bates AS, Stürner T, Jagannathan SR, Drummond N, Hsu J, Serratosa Capdevila L, Javier A, Marin EC, Barth-Maron A, Tamimi IFM, Li F, Rubin GM, Plaza SM, Costa M, Jefferis GSXE. Information flow, cell types and stereotypy in a full olfactory connectome. eLife 2021; 10:e66018. [PMID: 34032214 PMCID: PMC8298098 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The hemibrain connectome provides large-scale connectivity and morphology information for the majority of the central brain of Drosophila melanogaster. Using this data set, we provide a complete description of the Drosophila olfactory system, covering all first, second and lateral horn-associated third-order neurons. We develop a generally applicable strategy to extract information flow and layered organisation from connectome graphs, mapping olfactory input to descending interneurons. This identifies a range of motifs including highly lateralised circuits in the antennal lobe and patterns of convergence downstream of the mushroom body and lateral horn. Leveraging a second data set we provide a first quantitative assessment of inter- versus intra-individual stereotypy. Comparing neurons across two brains (three hemispheres) reveals striking similarity in neuronal morphology across brains. Connectivity correlates with morphology and neurons of the same morphological type show similar connection variability within the same brain as across two brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schlegel
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Tomke Stürner
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Nikolas Drummond
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Joseph Hsu
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | | | - Alexandre Javier
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C Marin
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Asa Barth-Maron
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Imaan FM Tamimi
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Feng Li
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Gerald M Rubin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Stephen M Plaza
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Marta Costa
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Gregory S X E Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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22
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Ishimoto H, Kamikouchi A. Molecular and neural mechanisms regulating sexual motivation of virgin female Drosophila. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4805-4819. [PMID: 33837450 PMCID: PMC11071752 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03820-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
During courtship, multiple information sources are integrated in the brain to reach a final decision, i.e., whether or not to mate. The brain functions for this complex behavior can be investigated by genetically manipulating genes and neurons, and performing anatomical, physiological, and behavioral analyses. Drosophila is a powerful model experimental system for such studies, which need to be integrated from molecular and cellular levels to the behavioral level, and has enabled pioneering research to be conducted. In male flies, which exhibit a variety of characteristic sexual behaviors, we have accumulated knowledge of many genes and neural circuits that control sexual behaviors. On the other hand, despite the importance of the mechanisms of mating decision-making in females from an evolutionary perspective (such as sexual selection), research on the mechanisms that control sexual behavior in females has progressed somewhat slower. In this review, we focus on the pre-mating behavior of female Drosophila melanogaster, and introduce previous key findings on the neuronal and molecular mechanisms that integrate sensory information and selective expression of behaviors toward the courting male.
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Grants
- JP20H03355 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP20H04997 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 19H04933 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 17K19450 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 15K07147 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 18K06332 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Naito Foundation
- Inamori Foundation
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ishimoto
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8602, Japan.
| | - Azusa Kamikouchi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8602, Japan.
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23
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Serrano-Saiz E, Isogai Y. Single-cell molecular and developmental perspectives of sexually dimorphic circuits underlying innate social behaviors. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 68:159-166. [PMID: 33915498 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While single-cell transcriptomics in the brain has uncovered a vast diversity of neural cell types in unprecedented detail, it is becoming increasingly urgent to address what exactly their functional roles are in the context of circuits and behavior. In this review, we discuss the molecular profiling of cell types in circuits underlying social behaviors in mice as a prominent case study. We first highlight key roles of molecularly identified sensory and downstream neurons involved in sexually dimorphic behaviors. We then propose future opportunities to define cell types using multimodal criteria, especially gene expression, physiology, as well as the developmental origin, to advance our understanding of these circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoh Isogai
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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24
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Nojima T, Rings A, Allen AM, Otto N, Verschut TA, Billeter JC, Neville MC, Goodwin SF. A sex-specific switch between visual and olfactory inputs underlies adaptive sex differences in behavior. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1175-1191.e6. [PMID: 33508219 PMCID: PMC7987718 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although males and females largely share the same genome and nervous system, they differ profoundly in reproductive investments and require distinct behavioral, morphological, and physiological adaptations. How can the nervous system, while bound by both developmental and biophysical constraints, produce these sex differences in behavior? Here, we uncover a novel dimorphism in Drosophila melanogaster that allows deployment of completely different behavioral repertoires in males and females with minimum changes to circuit architecture. Sexual differentiation of only a small number of higher order neurons in the brain leads to a change in connectivity related to the primary reproductive needs of both sexes-courtship pursuit in males and communal oviposition in females. This study explains how an apparently similar brain generates distinct behavioral repertoires in the two sexes and presents a fundamental principle of neural circuit organization that may be extended to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Nojima
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK
| | - Annika Rings
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK
| | - Aaron M Allen
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK
| | - Nils Otto
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK
| | - Thomas A Verschut
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Billeter
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Megan C Neville
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK.
| | - Stephen F Goodwin
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK.
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25
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Brovkina MV, Duffié R, Burtis AEC, Clowney EJ. Fruitless decommissions regulatory elements to implement cell-type-specific neuronal masculinization. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009338. [PMID: 33600447 PMCID: PMC7924761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, male-specific splicing and translation of the Fruitless transcription factor (FruM) alters the presence, anatomy, and/or connectivity of >60 types of central brain neurons that interconnect to generate male-typical behaviors. While the indispensable function of FruM in sex-specific behavior has been understood for decades, the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity remain unknown. Here, we take a genome-wide, brain-wide approach to identifying regulatory elements whose activity depends on the presence of FruM. We identify 436 high-confidence genomic regions differentially accessible in male fruitless neurons, validate candidate regions as bona fide, differentially regulated enhancers, and describe the particular cell types in which these enhancers are active. We find that individual enhancers are not activated universally but are dedicated to specific fru+ cell types. Aside from fru itself, genes are not dedicated to or common across the fru circuit; rather, FruM appears to masculinize each cell type differently, by tweaking expression of the same effector genes used in other circuits. Finally, we find FruM motifs enriched among regulatory elements that are open in the female but closed in the male. Together, these results suggest that FruM acts cell-type-specifically to decommission regulatory elements in male fruitless neurons. Courtship behavior in male Drosophila melanogaster is controlled by a well-defined neural circuit that is labeled by the male-specific transcription factor Fruitless (FruM). While FruM is known to change the number, anatomy and connectivity of neurons which comprise the circuit and has been suggested to repress the expression of a few gene targets, the mechanism of how FruM regulates genes across many different kinds of neurons is unknown. Using an approach to identify gene regulatory elements based on their chromatin accessibility states (ATAC-seq), we identified a large set of chromatin accessibility changes downstream of Fruitless. By examining the activity of these regulatory elements in vivo, we found that their activity was 1) sexually dimorphic and 2) specific to a single class of FruM neurons, suggesting that FruM acts on different chromatin targets in different neuron classes comprising the courtship circuit. Further, we found a known FruM-regulated enhancer of the FruM-repressed gene Lgr3 to have closed chromatin specifically in FruM neurons. Combined with an enrichment of FruM motifs in regions which are closed in FruM neurons, we present a mechanism where FruM directs the decommissioning of sex-shared regulatory elements to masculinize neurons in a cell-type specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita V. Brovkina
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rachel Duffié
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Abbigayl E. C. Burtis
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - E. Josephine Clowney
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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Das Chakraborty S, Sachse S. Olfactory processing in the lateral horn of Drosophila. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:113-123. [PMID: 33475851 PMCID: PMC7873099 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03392-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sensing olfactory signals in the environment represents a crucial and significant task of sensory systems in almost all organisms to facilitate survival and reproduction. Notably, the olfactory system of diverse animal phyla shares astonishingly many fundamental principles with regard to anatomical and functional properties. Binding of odor ligands by chemosensory receptors present in the olfactory peripheral organs leads to a neuronal activity that is conveyed to first and higher-order brain centers leading to a subsequent odor-guided behavioral decision. One of the key centers for integrating and processing innate olfactory behavior is the lateral horn (LH) of the protocerebrum in insects. In recent years the LH of Drosophila has garnered increasing attention and many studies have been dedicated to elucidate its circuitry. In this review we will summarize the recent advances in mapping and characterizing LH-specific cell types, their functional properties with respect to odor tuning, their neurotransmitter profiles, their connectivity to pre-synaptic and post-synaptic partner neurons as well as their impact for olfactory behavior as known so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Das Chakraborty
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str. 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Silke Sachse
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str. 8, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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27
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Puñal VM, Ahmed M, Thornton-Kolbe EM, Clowney EJ. Untangling the wires: development of sparse, distributed connectivity in the mushroom body calyx. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:91-112. [PMID: 33404837 PMCID: PMC9835099 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate perception and representation of sensory stimuli pose an everyday challenge to the brain. In order to represent the wide and unpredictable array of environmental stimuli, principle neurons of associative learning regions receive sparse, combinatorial sensory inputs. Despite the broad role of such networks in sensory neural circuits, the developmental mechanisms underlying their emergence are not well understood. As mammalian sensory coding regions are numerically complex and lack the accessibility of simpler invertebrate systems, we chose to focus this review on the numerically simpler, yet functionally similar, Drosophila mushroom body calyx. We bring together current knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms orchestrating calyx development, in addition to drawing insights from literature regarding construction of sparse wiring in the mammalian cerebellum. From this, we formulate hypotheses to guide our future understanding of the development of this critical perceptual center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M. Puñal
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maria Ahmed
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emma M. Thornton-Kolbe
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - E. Josephine Clowney
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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28
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Basrur NS, De Obaldia ME, Morita T, Herre M, von Heynitz RK, Tsitohay YN, Vosshall LB. Fruitless mutant male mosquitoes gain attraction to human odor. eLife 2020; 9:e63982. [PMID: 33284111 PMCID: PMC7806257 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aedesaegypti mosquito shows extreme sexual dimorphism in feeding. Only females are attracted to and obtain a blood-meal from humans, which they use to stimulate egg production. The fruitless gene is sex-specifically spliced and encodes a BTB zinc-finger transcription factor proposed to be a master regulator of male courtship and mating behavior across insects. We generated fruitless mutant mosquitoes and showed that males failed to mate, confirming the ancestral function of this gene in male sexual behavior. Remarkably, fruitless males also gain strong attraction to a live human host, a behavior that wild-type males never display, suggesting that male mosquitoes possess the central or peripheral neural circuits required to host-seek and that removing fruitless reveals this latent behavior in males. Our results highlight an unexpected repurposing of a master regulator of male-specific sexual behavior to control one module of female-specific blood-feeding behavior in a deadly vector of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun S Basrur
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Maria Elena De Obaldia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Takeshi Morita
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Margaret Herre
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Kavli Neural Systems InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ricarda K von Heynitz
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Yael N Tsitohay
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Leslie B Vosshall
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Kavli Neural Systems InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteNew YorkUnited States
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29
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Sato K, Yamamoto D. Contact-Chemosensory Evolution Underlying Reproductive Isolation in Drosophila Species. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:597428. [PMID: 33343311 PMCID: PMC7746553 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.597428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The main theme of the review is how changes in pheromone biochemistry and the sensory circuits underlying pheromone detection contribute to mate choice and reproductive isolation. The review focuses primarily on gustatory and non-volatile signals in Drosophila. Premating isolation is prevalent among closely related species. In Drosophila, preference for conspecifics against other species in mate choice underlies premating isolation, and such preference relies on contact chemosensory communications between a female and male along with other biological factors. For example, although D. simulans and D. melanogaster are sibling species that yield hybrids, their premating isolation is maintained primarily by the contrasting effects of 7,11-heptacosadiene (7,11-HD), a predominant female pheromone in D. melanogaster, on males of the two species: it attracts D. melanogaster males and repels D. simulans males. The contrasting preference for 7,11-HD in males of these two species is mainly ascribed to opposite effects of 7,11-HD on neural activities in the courtship decision-making neurons in the male brain: 7,11-HD provokes both excitatory and inhibitory inputs in these neurons and differences in the balance between the two counteracting inputs result in the contrasting preference for 7,11-HD, i.e., attraction in D. melanogaster and repulsion in D. simulans. Introduction of two double bonds is a key step in 7,11-HD biosynthesis and is mediated by the desaturase desatF, which is active in D. melanogaster females but transcriptionally inactivated in D. simulans females. Thus, 7,11-HD biosynthesis diversified in females and 7,11-HD perception diversified in males, yet it remains elusive how concordance of the changes in the two sexes was attained in evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daisuke Yamamoto
- Neuro-Network Evolution Project, Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan
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30
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Ferreira Castro A, Baltruschat L, Stürner T, Bahrami A, Jedlicka P, Tavosanis G, Cuntz H. Achieving functional neuronal dendrite structure through sequential stochastic growth and retraction. eLife 2020; 9:e60920. [PMID: 33241995 PMCID: PMC7837678 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Class I ventral posterior dendritic arborisation (c1vpda) proprioceptive sensory neurons respond to contractions in the Drosophila larval body wall during crawling. Their dendritic branches run along the direction of contraction, possibly a functional requirement to maximise membrane curvature during crawling contractions. Although the molecular machinery of dendritic patterning in c1vpda has been extensively studied, the process leading to the precise elaboration of their comb-like shapes remains elusive. Here, to link dendrite shape with its proprioceptive role, we performed long-term, non-invasive, in vivo time-lapse imaging of c1vpda embryonic and larval morphogenesis to reveal a sequence of differentiation stages. We combined computer models and dendritic branch dynamics tracking to propose that distinct sequential phases of stochastic growth and retraction achieve efficient dendritic trees both in terms of wire and function. Our study shows how dendrite growth balances structure-function requirements, shedding new light on general principles of self-organisation in functionally specialised dendrites.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Ferreira Castro
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced StudiesFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in cooperation with Max Planck SocietyFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)BonnGermany
| | | | - Tomke Stürner
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)BonnGermany
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Jedlicka
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced StudiesFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Faculty of Medicine, ICAR3R – Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research, Justus Liebig University GiessenGiessenGermany
- Neuroscience Center, Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe UniversityFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Gaia Tavosanis
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)BonnGermany
- LIMES Institute, University of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Hermann Cuntz
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced StudiesFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in cooperation with Max Planck SocietyFrankfurt am MainGermany
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31
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Gouwens NW, Sorensen SA, Baftizadeh F, Budzillo A, Lee BR, Jarsky T, Alfiler L, Baker K, Barkan E, Berry K, Bertagnolli D, Bickley K, Bomben J, Braun T, Brouner K, Casper T, Crichton K, Daigle TL, Dalley R, de Frates RA, Dee N, Desta T, Lee SD, Dotson N, Egdorf T, Ellingwood L, Enstrom R, Esposito L, Farrell C, Feng D, Fong O, Gala R, Gamlin C, Gary A, Glandon A, Goldy J, Gorham M, Graybuck L, Gu H, Hadley K, Hawrylycz MJ, Henry AM, Hill D, Hupp M, Kebede S, Kim TK, Kim L, Kroll M, Lee C, Link KE, Mallory M, Mann R, Maxwell M, McGraw M, McMillen D, Mukora A, Ng L, Ng L, Ngo K, Nicovich PR, Oldre A, Park D, Peng H, Penn O, Pham T, Pom A, Popović Z, Potekhina L, Rajanbabu R, Ransford S, Reid D, Rimorin C, Robertson M, Ronellenfitch K, Ruiz A, Sandman D, Smith K, Sulc J, Sunkin SM, Szafer A, Tieu M, Torkelson A, Trinh J, Tung H, Wakeman W, Ward K, Williams G, Zhou Z, Ting JT, Arkhipov A, Sümbül U, Lein ES, Koch C, Yao Z, Tasic B, Berg J, Murphy GJ, Zeng H. Integrated Morphoelectric and Transcriptomic Classification of Cortical GABAergic Cells. Cell 2020; 183:935-953.e19. [PMID: 33186530 PMCID: PMC7781065 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurons are frequently classified into distinct types on the basis of structural, physiological, or genetic attributes. To better constrain the definition of neuronal cell types, we characterized the transcriptomes and intrinsic physiological properties of over 4,200 mouse visual cortical GABAergic interneurons and reconstructed the local morphologies of 517 of those neurons. We find that most transcriptomic types (t-types) occupy specific laminar positions within visual cortex, and, for most types, the cells mapping to a t-type exhibit consistent electrophysiological and morphological properties. These properties display both discrete and continuous variation among t-types. Through multimodal integrated analysis, we define 28 met-types that have congruent morphological, electrophysiological, and transcriptomic properties and robust mutual predictability. We identify layer-specific axon innervation pattern as a defining feature distinguishing different met-types. These met-types represent a unified definition of cortical GABAergic interneuron types, providing a systematic framework to capture existing knowledge and bridge future analyses across different modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Agata Budzillo
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brian R Lee
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tim Jarsky
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lauren Alfiler
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Eliza Barkan
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kyla Berry
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Kris Bickley
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jasmine Bomben
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Thomas Braun
- Byte Physics, Schwarzastraße 9, Berlin 12055, Germany
| | - Krissy Brouner
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tamara Casper
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Tanya L Daigle
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rachel Dalley
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Nick Dee
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tsega Desta
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | - Tom Egdorf
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Rachel Enstrom
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Luke Esposito
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Colin Farrell
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David Feng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Olivia Fong
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rohan Gala
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Clare Gamlin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Amanda Gary
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Jeff Goldy
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Melissa Gorham
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lucas Graybuck
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hong Gu
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kristen Hadley
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Alex M Henry
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - DiJon Hill
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Madie Hupp
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sara Kebede
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tae Kyung Kim
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lisa Kim
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Matthew Kroll
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Changkyu Lee
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | - Rusty Mann
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Medea McGraw
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Alice Mukora
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lindsay Ng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lydia Ng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kiet Ngo
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Aaron Oldre
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Daniel Park
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hanchuan Peng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Osnat Penn
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Thanh Pham
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alice Pom
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zoran Popović
- Center for Game Science, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | | | - Shea Ransford
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David Reid
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | | | - Augustin Ruiz
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David Sandman
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kimberly Smith
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Josef Sulc
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Susan M Sunkin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Aaron Szafer
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Michael Tieu
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Amy Torkelson
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jessica Trinh
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Herman Tung
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Wayne Wakeman
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Katelyn Ward
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Grace Williams
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Anton Arkhipov
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Uygar Sümbül
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Christof Koch
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zizhen Yao
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bosiljka Tasic
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jim Berg
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Gabe J Murphy
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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32
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Luan H, Diao F, Scott RL, White BH. The Drosophila Split Gal4 System for Neural Circuit Mapping. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:603397. [PMID: 33240047 PMCID: PMC7680822 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.603397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity and dense interconnectivity of cells in the nervous system present a huge challenge to understanding how brains work. Recent progress toward such understanding, however, has been fuelled by the development of techniques for selectively monitoring and manipulating the function of distinct cell types-and even individual neurons-in the brains of living animals. These sophisticated techniques are fundamentally genetic and have found their greatest application in genetic model organisms, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila combines genetic tractability with a compact, but cell-type rich, nervous system and has been the incubator for a variety of methods of neuronal targeting. One such method, called Split Gal4, is playing an increasingly important role in mapping neural circuits in the fly. In conjunction with functional perturbations and behavioral screens, Split Gal4 has been used to characterize circuits governing such activities as grooming, aggression, and mating. It has also been leveraged to comprehensively map and functionally characterize cells composing important brain regions, such as the central complex, lateral horn, and the mushroom body-the latter being the insect seat of learning and memory. With connectomics data emerging for both the larval and adult brains of Drosophila, Split Gal4 is also poised to play an important role in characterizing neurons of interest based on their connectivity. We summarize the history and current state of the Split Gal4 method and indicate promising areas for further development or future application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Benjamin H. White
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Cachero S, Gkantia M, Bates AS, Frechter S, Blackie L, McCarthy A, Sutcliffe B, Strano A, Aso Y, Jefferis GSXE. BAcTrace, a tool for retrograde tracing of neuronal circuits in Drosophila. Nat Methods 2020; 17:1254-1261. [PMID: 33139893 PMCID: PMC7610425 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-00989-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Animal behavior is encoded in neuronal circuits in the brain. To elucidate the function of these circuits, it is necessary to identify, record from and manipulate networks of connected neurons. Here we present BAcTrace (Botulinum Activated Tracer), a genetically encoded, retro-grade, transsynaptic labelling system. BAcTrace is based on C. botulinum neurotoxin A, Botox, which we have engineered to travel retrogradely between neurons to activate an otherwise silent transcription factor. We validate BAcTrace at three neuronal connections in the Drosophila olfactory system. We show that BAcTrace-mediated labeling allows electrophysiological recordings of connected neurons. Finally, in a challenging circuit with highly divergent connections, BAcTrace correctly identifies 12 out of 16 connections, which were previously observed by electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Cachero
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Marina Gkantia
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander S Bates
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shahar Frechter
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Blackie
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amy McCarthy
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.,Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ben Sutcliffe
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessio Strano
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Cancer and Developmental Biology & Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yoshinori Aso
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
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Lee SS, Wu MN. Neural circuit mechanisms encoding motivational states in Drosophila. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 64:135-142. [PMID: 32563845 PMCID: PMC7669672 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Animals engage in motivated behaviors, such as feeding and mating behaviors, to ensure their own survival and the survival of their species. However, the neural circuits mediating the generation and persistence of these motivational drives remain poorly understood. Here we review recent studies on the circuit mechanisms underlying motivational states in Drosophila, with a focus on feeding, courtship, and aggression. These studies shed light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by, which key drive neurons receive relevant input signals, integrate information, and decide on a specific behavioral output. We also discuss conceptual models for integrating these circuit mechanisms, distinguishing between those for homeostatically-regulated versus non-homeostatically-regulated motivated behaviors. We suggest that the ability to trigger persistence of a motivated behavior may be a feature of integrator or apex/command neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Soo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mark N Wu
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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35
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Salzberg Y, Gat A, Oren-Suissa M. One template, two outcomes: How does the sex-shared nervous system generate sex-specific behaviors? Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 144:245-268. [PMID: 33992155 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex-specific behaviors are common in nature and are crucial for reproductive fitness and species survival. A key question in the field of sex/gender neurobiology is whether and to what degree the sex-shared nervous system differs between the sexes in the anatomy, connectivity and molecular identity of its components. An equally intriguing issue is how does the same sex-shared neuronal template diverge to mediate distinct behavioral outputs in females and males. This chapter aims to present the most up-to-date understanding of how this task is achieved in C. elegans. The vast majority of neurons in C. elegans are shared among the two sexes in terms of their lineage history, anatomical position and neuronal identity. Yet a substantial amount of evidence points to the hermaphrodite-male counterparts of some neurons expressing different genes and forming different synaptic connections. This, in turn, enables the same cells and circuits to transmit discrete signals in the two sexes and ultimately execute different functions. We review the various sex-shared behavioral paradigms that have been shown to be sexually dimorphic in recent years, discuss the mechanisms that underlie these examples, refer to the developmental regulation of neuronal dimorphism and suggest evolutionary concepts that emerge from the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda Salzberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Asaf Gat
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Meital Oren-Suissa
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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36
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Bates AS, Schlegel P, Roberts RJV, Drummond N, Tamimi IFM, Turnbull R, Zhao X, Marin EC, Popovici PD, Dhawan S, Jamasb A, Javier A, Serratosa Capdevila L, Li F, Rubin GM, Waddell S, Bock DD, Costa M, Jefferis GSXE. Complete Connectomic Reconstruction of Olfactory Projection Neurons in the Fly Brain. Curr Biol 2020; 30:3183-3199.e6. [PMID: 32619485 PMCID: PMC7443706 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nervous systems contain sensory neurons, local neurons, projection neurons, and motor neurons. To understand how these building blocks form whole circuits, we must distil these broad classes into neuronal cell types and describe their network connectivity. Using an electron micrograph dataset for an entire Drosophila melanogaster brain, we reconstruct the first complete inventory of olfactory projections connecting the antennal lobe, the insect analog of the mammalian olfactory bulb, to higher-order brain regions in an adult animal brain. We then connect this inventory to extant data in the literature, providing synaptic-resolution "holotypes" both for heavily investigated and previously unknown cell types. Projection neurons are approximately twice as numerous as reported by light level studies; cell types are stereotyped, but not identical, in cell and synapse numbers between brain hemispheres. The lateral horn, the insect analog of the mammalian cortical amygdala, is the main target for this olfactory information and has been shown to guide innate behavior. Here, we find new connectivity motifs, including axo-axonic connectivity between projection neurons, feedback, and lateral inhibition of these axons by a large population of neurons, and the convergence of different inputs, including non-olfactory inputs and memory-related feedback onto third-order olfactory neurons. These features are less prominent in the mushroom body calyx, the insect analog of the mammalian piriform cortex and a center for associative memory. Our work provides a complete neuroanatomical platform for future studies of the adult Drosophila olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Bates
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Philipp Schlegel
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | | | - Nikolas Drummond
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Imaan F M Tamimi
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Robert Turnbull
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Xincheng Zhao
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK; Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Elizabeth C Marin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Patricia D Popovici
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Serene Dhawan
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Arian Jamasb
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Alexandre Javier
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | | | - Feng Li
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Gerald M Rubin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Scott Waddell
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK
| | - Davi D Bock
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, VT 05405, USA
| | - Marta Costa
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Gregory S X E Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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37
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Billing A, Henrique Correia M, Kelly DA, Li GL, Bergan JF. Synaptic Connections of Aromatase Circuits in the Medial Amygdala Are Sex Specific. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0489-19.2020. [PMID: 32471845 PMCID: PMC7322293 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0489-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The brains of male and female mice are shaped by genetics and hormones during development. The enzyme aromatase helps establish sex differences in social behaviors and in the neural circuits that produce these behaviors. The medial amygdala of mice contains a large population of aromatase neurons and is a critical hub in the social behavior network. Moreover, the neural representation of social stimuli in the medial amygdala displays clear sex differences that track developmental changes in social behaviors. Here, we identify a potential anatomic basis for those sex differences. We found that sensory input from the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) to aromatase neurons is derived nearly exclusively from the anterior AOB, which selectively responds to chemosensory cues from conspecific animals. Through the coordinated use of mouse transgenics and viral-based circuit-tracing strategies, we demonstrate a clear sex difference in the volume of synapses connecting the accessory olfactory bulb to aromatase-expressing neurons in the medial amygdala of male versus female mice. This difference in anatomy likely mediates, at least in part, sex differences in medial amygdala-mediated social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addison Billing
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Marcelo Henrique Correia
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Diane A Kelly
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Geng-Lin Li
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Joseph F Bergan
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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38
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Ishii K, Wohl M, DeSouza A, Asahina K. Sex-determining genes distinctly regulate courtship capability and target preference via sexually dimorphic neurons. eLife 2020; 9:e52701. [PMID: 32314964 PMCID: PMC7173972 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For successful mating, a male animal must execute effective courtship behaviors toward a receptive target sex, which is female. Whether the courtship execution capability and upregulation of courtship toward females are specified through separable sex-determining genetic pathways remains uncharacterized. Here, we found that one of the two Drosophila sex-determining genes, doublesex (dsx), specifies a male-specific neuronal component that serves as an execution mechanism for courtship behavior, whereas fruitless (fru) is required for enhancement of courtship behavior toward females. The dsx-dependent courtship execution mechanism includes a specific subclass within a neuronal cluster that co-express dsx and fru. This cluster contains at least another subclass that is specified cooperatively by both dsx and fru. Although these neuronal populations can also promote aggressive behavior toward male flies, this capacity requires fru-dependent mechanisms. Our results uncover how sex-determining genes specify execution capability and female-specific enhancement of courtship behavior through separable yet cooperative neurogenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Ishii
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Margot Wohl
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Andre DeSouza
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Kenta Asahina
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
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39
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Bates AS, Manton JD, Jagannathan SR, Costa M, Schlegel P, Rohlfing T, Jefferis GSXE. The natverse, a versatile toolbox for combining and analysing neuroanatomical data. eLife 2020; 9:e53350. [PMID: 32286229 PMCID: PMC7242028 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To analyse neuron data at scale, neuroscientists expend substantial effort reading documentation, installing dependencies and moving between analysis and visualisation environments. To facilitate this, we have developed a suite of interoperable open-source R packages called the natverse. The natverse allows users to read local and remote data, perform popular analyses including visualisation and clustering and graph-theoretic analysis of neuronal branching. Unlike most tools, the natverse enables comparison across many neurons of morphology and connectivity after imaging or co-registration within a common template space. The natverse also enables transformations between different template spaces and imaging modalities. We demonstrate tools that integrate the vast majority of Drosophila neuroanatomical light microscopy and electron microscopy connectomic datasets. The natverse is an easy-to-use environment for neuroscientists to solve complex, large-scale analysis challenges as well as an open platform to create new code and packages to share with the community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James D Manton
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Sridhar R Jagannathan
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Marta Costa
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Philipp Schlegel
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Torsten Rohlfing
- SRI International, Neuroscience Program, Center for Health SciencesMenlo ParkUnited States
| | - Gregory SXE Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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40
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Lerner H, Rozenfeld E, Rozenman B, Huetteroth W, Parnas M. Differential Role for a Defined Lateral Horn Neuron Subset in Naïve Odor Valence in Drosophila. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6147. [PMID: 32273557 PMCID: PMC7145822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63169-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Value coding of external stimuli in general, and odor valence in particular, is crucial for survival. In flies, odor valence is thought to be coded by two types of neurons: mushroom body output neurons (MBONs) and lateral horn (LH) neurons. MBONs are classified as neurons that promote either attraction or aversion, but not both, and they are dynamically activated by upstream neurons. This dynamic activation updates the valence values. In contrast, LH neurons receive scaled, but non-dynamic, input from their upstream neurons. It remains unclear how such a non-dynamic system generates differential valence values. Recently, PD2a1/b1 LH neurons were demonstrated to promote approach behavior at low odor concentration in starved flies. Here, we demonstrate that at high odor concentrations, these same neurons contribute to avoidance in satiated flies. The contribution of PD2a1/b1 LH neurons to aversion is context dependent. It is diminished in starved flies, although PD2a1/b1 neural activity remains unchanged, and at lower odor concentration. In addition, PD2a1/b1 aversive effect develops over time. Thus, our results indicate that, even though PD2a1/b1 LH neurons transmit hard-wired output, their effect on valence can change. Taken together, we suggest that the valence model described for MBONs does not hold for LH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadas Lerner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Eyal Rozenfeld
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Rozenman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Wolf Huetteroth
- Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Talstraße 33, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Moshe Parnas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel. .,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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41
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A Feedforward Circuit Regulates Action Selection of Pre-mating Courtship Behavior in Female Drosophila. Curr Biol 2020; 30:396-407.e4. [PMID: 31902724 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the early phase of courtship, female fruit flies exhibit an acute rejection response to avoid unfavorable mating. This pre-mating rejection response is evolutionarily paralleled across species, but the molecular and neuronal basis of that behavior is unclear. Here, we show that a putative incoherent feedforward circuit comprising ellipsoid body neurons, cholinergic R4d, and its repressor GABAergic R2/R4m neurons regulates the pre-mating rejection response in the virgin female Drosophila melanogaster. Both R4d and R2/R4m are positively regulated, via specific dopamine receptors, by a subset of neurons in the dopaminergic PPM3 cluster. Genetic deprivation of GABAergic signal via GABAA receptor RNA interference in this circuit induces a massive rejection response, whereas activation of GABAergic R2/R4m or suppression of cholinergic R4d increases receptivity. Moreover, glutamatergic signaling via N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors induces NO-mediated retrograde regulation potentially from R4d to R2/R4m, likely providing flexible control of the behavioral switching from rejection to acceptance. Our study elucidates the molecular and neural mechanisms regulating the behavioral selection process of the pre-mating female.
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42
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Amin H, Lin AC. Neuronal mechanisms underlying innate and learned olfactory processing in Drosophila. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 36:9-17. [PMID: 31280185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction allows animals to adapt their behavior in response to different chemical cues in their environment. How does the brain efficiently discriminate different odors to drive appropriate behavior, and how does it flexibly assign value to odors to adjust behavior according to experience? This review traces neuronal mechanisms underlying these processes in adult Drosophila melanogaster from olfactory receptors to higher brain centers. We highlight neural circuit principles such as lateral inhibition, segregation and integration of olfactory channels, temporal accumulation of sensory evidence, and compartmentalized synaptic plasticity underlying associative memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoger Amin
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew C Lin
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom.
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43
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Morphology and physiology of olfactory neurons in the lateral protocerebrum of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16604. [PMID: 31719657 PMCID: PMC6851382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect olfaction is a suitable model to investigate sensory processing in the brain. Olfactory information is first processed in the antennal lobe and is then conveyed to two second-order centres—the mushroom body calyx and the lateral protocerebrum. Projection neurons processing sex pheromones and plant odours supply the delta area of the inferior lateral protocerebrum (∆ILPC) and lateral horn (LH), respectively. Here, we investigated the neurons arising from these regions in the brain of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, using mass staining and intracellular recording with a sharp glass microelectrode. The output neurons from the ∆ILPC projected to the superior medial protocerebrum, whereas those from the LH projected to the superior lateral protocerebrum. The dendritic innervations of output neurons from the ∆ILPC formed a subdivision in the ∆ILPC. We discuss pathways for odour processing in higher order centres.
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44
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Sato K, Goto J, Yamamoto D. Sex Mysteries of the Fly Courtship Master Regulator Fruitless. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:245. [PMID: 31680899 PMCID: PMC6813181 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The fruitless (fru) gene of Drosophila melanogaster generates two groups of protein products, the male-specific FruM proteins and non-sex-specific FruCOM proteins. The FruM proteins have a 101 amino acids (a.a.)-long extension at the N-terminus which is absent from FruCOM. We suggest that this N-terminal extension might confer male-specific roles on FruM interaction partner proteins such as Lola, which otherwise operates as a transcription factor common to both sexes. FruM-expressing neurons are known to connect with other neurons to form a sexually dimorphic circuit for male mating behavior. We propose that FruM proteins expressed in two synaptic partners specify, at the transcriptional level, signaling pathways through which select pre- and post-synaptic partners communicate, and thereby pleiotropic ligand-receptor pairs for cell-cell interactions acquire the high specificity for mutual connections between two FruM-positive cells. We further discuss the possibility that synaptic connections made by FruM-positive neurons are regulated by neural activities, which in turn upregulate Fru expression in active cells, resulting in feedforward enhancement of courtship activities of the male fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Sato
- Neuro-Network Evolution Project, Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junpei Goto
- Division of Neurogenetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamamoto
- Neuro-Network Evolution Project, Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan
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45
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Sethi S, Lin HH, Shepherd AK, Volkan PC, Su CY, Wang JW. Social Context Enhances Hormonal Modulation of Pheromone Detection in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3887-3898.e4. [PMID: 31679932 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Critical to evolutionary fitness, animals regulate social behaviors by integrating signals from both their external environments and internal states. Here, we find that population density modulates the courtship behavior of male Drosophila melanogaster in an age-dependent manner. In a competitive mating assay, males reared in a social environment have a marked advantage in courting females when pitted against males reared in isolation. Group housing promotes courtship in mature (7-day) but not immature (2-day) males; this behavioral plasticity requires the Or47b pheromone receptor. Using single-sensillum recordings, we find that group housing increases the response of Or47b olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) only in mature males. The effect of group housing on olfactory response and behavior can be mimicked by chronically exposing single-housed males to an Or47b ligand. At the molecular level, group housing elevates Ca2+ levels in Or47b ORNs, likely leading to CaMKI-mediated activation of the histone-acetyl transferase CBP. This signaling event in turn enhances the efficacy of juvenile hormone, an age-related regulator of reproductive maturation in flies. Furthermore, the male-specific Fruitless isoform (FruM) is required for the sensory plasticity, suggesting that FruM functions as a downstream genomic coincidence detector in Or47b ORNs-integrating reproductive maturity, signaled by juvenile hormone, and population density, signaled by CBP. In all, we identify a neural substrate and activity-dependent mechanism by which social context can directly influence pheromone sensitivity, thereby modulating social behavior according to animals' life-history stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Sethi
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hui-Hao Lin
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Andrew K Shepherd
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pelin C Volkan
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chih-Ying Su
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing W Wang
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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46
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Deutsch D, Clemens J, Thiberge SY, Guan G, Murthy M. Shared Song Detector Neurons in Drosophila Male and Female Brains Drive Sex-Specific Behaviors. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3200-3215.e5. [PMID: 31564492 PMCID: PMC6885007 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Males and females often produce distinct responses to the same sensory stimuli. How such differences arise-at the level of sensory processing or in the circuits that generate behavior-remains largely unresolved across sensory modalities. We address this issue in the acoustic communication system of Drosophila. During courtship, males generate time-varying songs, and each sex responds with specific behaviors. We characterize male and female behavioral tuning for all aspects of song and show that feature tuning is similar between sexes, suggesting sex-shared song detectors drive divergent behaviors. We then identify higher-order neurons in the Drosophila brain, called pC2, that are tuned for multiple temporal aspects of one mode of the male's song and drive sex-specific behaviors. We thus uncover neurons that are specifically tuned to an acoustic communication signal and that reside at the sensory-motor interface, flexibly linking auditory perception with sex-specific behavioral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Deutsch
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Jan Clemens
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen - A Joint Initiative of the University Medical Center Göttingen and the Max-Planck Society, Grisebachstrasse 5, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Stephan Y Thiberge
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Bezos Center for Neural Circuit Dynamics, Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08540, USA
| | - Georgia Guan
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Mala Murthy
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Bezos Center for Neural Circuit Dynamics, Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08540, USA.
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47
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Sato K, Yamamoto D. The mode of action of Fruitless: Is it an easy matter to switch the sex? GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12606. [PMID: 31420927 PMCID: PMC7027472 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fruitless (fru) locus was originally defined by a male sterile mutation that promotes male-to-male courtship while suppressing male-to-female courtship in Drosophila melanogaster. The fru promoter-1 pre-RNA generates a set of BTB-zinc finger family FruM proteins expressed exclusively in the male neurons, leading to the formation of sexual dimorphisms in neurons via male-specific neuroblast proliferation, male-specific neural survival, male-specific neuritegenesis or male-specific arbor patterning. Such a wide spectrum of phenotypic effects seems to result from chromatin modifications, in which FruBM recruits Bonus, Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and/or Heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a) to ~130 target sites. One established FruBM transcriptional target is the axon guidance protein gene robo1. Multiple transcriptional regulator-binding sites are nested around the FruBM-binding site, and mediate sophisticated modulation of the repressor activity of FruBM. FruBM also binds to the Lola-Q transcriptional repressor to protect it from proteasome-dependent degradation in male but not female neurons as FruBM exists only in male neurons, leading to the formation of sexually dimorphic neural structures. These findings shed light on the multilayered network of transcription regulation orchestrated by the master regulator FruBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Sato
- Neuro-Network Evolution Project, Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamamoto
- Neuro-Network Evolution Project, Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan
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48
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Dolan MJ, Frechter S, Bates AS, Dan C, Huoviala P, Roberts RJV, Schlegel P, Dhawan S, Tabano R, Dionne H, Christoforou C, Close K, Sutcliffe B, Giuliani B, Li F, Costa M, Ihrke G, Meissner GW, Bock DD, Aso Y, Rubin GM, Jefferis GSXE. Neurogenetic dissection of the Drosophila lateral horn reveals major outputs, diverse behavioural functions, and interactions with the mushroom body. eLife 2019; 8:e43079. [PMID: 31112130 PMCID: PMC6529221 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals exhibit innate behaviours to a variety of sensory stimuli including olfactory cues. In Drosophila, one higher olfactory centre, the lateral horn (LH), is implicated in innate behaviour. However, our structural and functional understanding of the LH is scant, in large part due to a lack of sparse neurogenetic tools for this region. We generate a collection of split-GAL4 driver lines providing genetic access to 82 LH cell types. We use these to create an anatomical and neurotransmitter map of the LH and link this to EM connectomics data. We find ~30% of LH projections converge with outputs from the mushroom body, site of olfactory learning and memory. Using optogenetic activation, we identify LH cell types that drive changes in valence behavior or specific locomotor programs. In summary, we have generated a resource for manipulating and mapping LH neurons, providing new insights into the circuit basis of innate and learned olfactory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael-John Dolan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
- Division of NeurobiologyMRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Shahar Frechter
- Division of NeurobiologyMRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Chuntao Dan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Paavo Huoviala
- Division of NeurobiologyMRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Philipp Schlegel
- Division of NeurobiologyMRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Serene Dhawan
- Division of NeurobiologyMRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Remy Tabano
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Heather Dionne
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | | | - Kari Close
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Ben Sutcliffe
- Division of NeurobiologyMRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Bianca Giuliani
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Feng Li
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Marta Costa
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Gudrun Ihrke
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | | | - Davi D Bock
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Yoshinori Aso
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Gerald M Rubin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Gregory SXE Jefferis
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
- Division of NeurobiologyMRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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49
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Frechter S, Bates AS, Tootoonian S, Dolan MJ, Manton J, Jamasb AR, Kohl J, Bock D, Jefferis G. Functional and anatomical specificity in a higher olfactory centre. eLife 2019; 8:44590. [PMID: 31112127 PMCID: PMC6550879 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most sensory systems are organized into parallel neuronal pathways that process distinct aspects of incoming stimuli. In the insect olfactory system, second order projection neurons target both the mushroom body, required for learning, and the lateral horn (LH), proposed to mediate innate olfactory behavior. Mushroom body neurons form a sparse olfactory population code, which is not stereotyped across animals. In contrast, odor coding in the LH remains poorly understood. We combine genetic driver lines, anatomical and functional criteria to show that the Drosophila LH has ~1400 neurons and >165 cell types. Genetically labeled LHNs have stereotyped odor responses across animals and on average respond to three times more odors than single projection neurons. LHNs are better odor categorizers than projection neurons, likely due to stereotyped pooling of related inputs. Our results reveal some of the principles by which a higher processing area can extract innate behavioral significance from sensory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Frechter
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sina Tootoonian
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Neurophysiology of Behaviour Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael-John Dolan
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States
| | - James Manton
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Johannes Kohl
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Davi Bock
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States
| | - Gregory Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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50
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He Z, Luo Y, Shang X, Sun JS, Carlson JR. Chemosensory sensilla of the Drosophila wing express a candidate ionotropic pheromone receptor. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e2006619. [PMID: 31112532 PMCID: PMC6528970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila wing was proposed to be a taste organ more than 35 years ago, but there has been remarkably little study of its role in chemoreception. We carry out a differential RNA-seq analysis of a row of sensilla on the anterior wing margin and find expression of many genes associated with pheromone and chemical perception. To ask whether these sensilla might receive pheromonal input, we devised a dye-transfer paradigm and found that large, hydrophobic molecules comparable to pheromones can be transferred from one fly to the wing margin of another. One gene, Ionotropic receptor (IR)52a, is coexpressed in neurons of these sensilla with fruitless, a marker of sexual circuitry; IR52a is also expressed in legs. Mutation of IR52a and optogenetic silencing of IR52a+ neurons decrease levels of male sexual behavior. Optogenetic activation of IR52a+ neurons induces males to show courtship toward other males and, remarkably, toward females of another species. Surprisingly, IR52a is also required in females for normal sexual behavior. Optogenetic activation of IR52a+ neurons in mated females induces copulation, which normally occurs at very low levels. Unlike other chemoreceptors that act in males to inhibit male–male interactions and promote male–female interactions, IR52a acts in both males and females, and can promote male–male as well as male–female interactions. Moreover, IR52a+ neurons can override the circuitry that normally suppresses sexual behavior toward unproductive targets. Circuit mapping and Ca2+ imaging using the trans-Tango system reveals second-order projections of IR52a+ neurons in the subesophageal zone (SEZ), some of which are sexually dimorphic. Optogenetic activation of IR52a+ neurons in the wing activates second-order projections in the SEZ. Taken together, this study provides a molecular description of the chemosensory sensilla of a greatly understudied taste organ and defines a gene that regulates the sexual circuitry of the fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe He
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Yichen Luo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Xueying Shang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jennifer S. Sun
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - John R. Carlson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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