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Lee SYJ, Dallmann CJ, Cook AP, Tuthill JC, Agrawal S. Divergent neural circuits for proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensing of the Drosophila leg. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590808. [PMID: 38712128 PMCID: PMC11071415 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Somatosensory neurons provide the nervous system with information about mechanical forces originating inside and outside the body. Here, we use connectomics to reconstruct and analyze neural circuits downstream of the largest somatosensory organ in the Drosophila leg, the femoral chordotonal organ (FeCO). The FeCO has been proposed to support both proprioceptive sensing of the fly's femur-tibia joint and exteroceptive sensing of substrate vibrations, but it remains unknown which sensory neurons and central circuits contribute to each of these functions. We found that different subtypes of FeCO sensory neurons feed into distinct proprioceptive and exteroceptive pathways. Position- and movement-encoding FeCO neurons connect to local leg motor control circuits in the ventral nerve cord (VNC), indicating a proprioceptive function. In contrast, signals from the vibration-encoding FeCO neurons are integrated across legs and transmitted to auditory regions in the brain, indicating an exteroceptive function. Overall, our analyses reveal the structure of specialized circuits for processing proprioceptive and exteroceptive signals from the fly leg. They also demonstrate how analyzing patterns of synaptic connectivity can distill organizing principles from complex sensorimotor circuits.
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Kelley DB. Convergent and divergent neural circuit architectures that support acoustic communication. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:976789. [PMID: 36466364 PMCID: PMC9712726 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.976789] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vocal communication is used across extant vertebrates, is evolutionarily ancient, and been maintained, in many lineages. Here I review the neural circuit architectures that support intraspecific acoustic signaling in representative anuran, mammalian and avian species as well as two invertebrates, fruit flies and Hawaiian crickets. I focus on hindbrain motor control motifs and their ties to respiratory circuits, expression of receptors for gonadal steroids in motor, sensory, and limbic neurons as well as divergent modalities that evoke vocal responses. Hindbrain and limbic participants in acoustic communication are highly conserved, while forebrain participants have diverged between anurans and mammals, as well as songbirds and rodents. I discuss the roles of natural and sexual selection in driving speciation, as well as exaptation of circuit elements with ancestral roles in respiration, for producing sounds and driving rhythmic vocal features. Recent technical advances in whole brain fMRI across species will enable real time imaging of acoustic signaling partners, tying auditory perception to vocal production.
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3
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Keesey IW. Sensory neuroecology and multimodal evolution across the genus Drosophila. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.932344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural basis and genetic mechanisms for sensory evolution are increasingly being explored in depth across many closely related members of the Drosophila genus. This has, in part, been achieved due to the immense efforts toward adapting gene-editing technologies for additional, non-model species. Studies targeting both peripheral sensory variations, as well as interspecies divergence in coding or neural connectivity, have generated numerous, tangible examples of how and where the evolution of sensory-driven animal behavior has occurred. Here, we review and discuss studies that each aim to identify the neurobiological and genetic components of sensory system evolution to provide a comparative overview of the types of functional variations observed across both perceptual input and behavioral output. In addition, we examined the roles neuroecology and neuroevolution play in speciation events, such as courtship and intraspecies communication, as well as those aspects related to behavioral divergence in host navigation or egg-laying preferences. Through the investigation of comparative, large-scale trends and correlations across diverse, yet closely related species within this highly ecologically variable genus of flies, we can begin to describe the underlying pressures, mechanisms, and constraints that have guided sensory and nervous system evolution within the natural environments of these organisms.
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Leng X, Wohl M, Ishii K, Nayak P, Asahina K. Quantifying influence of human choice on the automated detection of Drosophila behavior by a supervised machine learning algorithm. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241696. [PMID: 33326445 PMCID: PMC7743940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Automated quantification of behavior is increasingly prevalent in neuroscience research. Human judgments can influence machine-learning-based behavior classification at multiple steps in the process, for both supervised and unsupervised approaches. Such steps include the design of the algorithm for machine learning, the methods used for animal tracking, the choice of training images, and the benchmarking of classification outcomes. However, how these design choices contribute to the interpretation of automated behavioral classifications has not been extensively characterized. Here, we quantify the effects of experimenter choices on the outputs of automated classifiers of Drosophila social behaviors. Drosophila behaviors contain a considerable degree of variability, which was reflected in the confidence levels associated with both human and computer classifications. We found that a diversity of sex combinations and tracking features was important for robust performance of the automated classifiers. In particular, features concerning the relative position of flies contained useful information for training a machine-learning algorithm. These observations shed light on the importance of human influence on tracking algorithms, the selection of training images, and the quality of annotated sample images used to benchmark the performance of a classifier (the ‘ground truth’). Evaluation of these factors is necessary for researchers to accurately interpret behavioral data quantified by a machine-learning algorithm and to further improve automated classifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xubo Leng
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Margot Wohl
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kenichi Ishii
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Pavan Nayak
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kenta Asahina
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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5
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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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6
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Batchelor AV, Wilson RI. Sound localization behavior in Drosophila melanogaster depends on inter-antenna vibration amplitude comparisons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/3/jeb191213. [PMID: 30733260 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.191213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster hear with their antennae: sound evokes vibration of the distal antennal segment, and this vibration is transduced by specialized mechanoreceptor cells. The left and right antennae vibrate preferentially in response to sounds arising from different azimuthal angles. Therefore, by comparing signals from the two antennae, it should be possible to obtain information about the azimuthal angle of a sound source. However, behavioral evidence of sound localization has not been reported in Drosophila Here, we show that walking D. melanogaster do indeed turn in response to lateralized sounds. We confirm that this behavior is evoked by vibrations of the distal antennal segment. The rule for turning is different for sounds arriving from different locations: flies turn toward sounds in their front hemifield, but they turn away from sounds in their rear hemifield, and they do not turn at all in response to sounds from 90 or -90 deg. All of these findings can be explained by a simple rule: the fly steers away from the antenna with the larger vibration amplitude. Finally, we show that these behaviors generalize to sound stimuli with diverse spectro-temporal features, and that these behaviors are found in both sexes. Our findings demonstrate the behavioral relevance of the antenna's directional tuning properties. They also pave the way for investigating the neural implementation of sound localization, as well as the potential roles of sound-guided steering in courtship and exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Batchelor
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachel I Wilson
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
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7
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Li C, Bademci G, Subasioglu A, Diaz-Horta O, Zhu Y, Liu J, Mitchell TG, Abad C, Seyhan S, Duman D, Cengiz FB, Tokgoz-Yilmaz S, Blanton SH, Farooq A, Walz K, Zhai RG, Tekin M. Dysfunction of GRAP, encoding the GRB2-related adaptor protein, is linked to sensorineural hearing loss. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:1347-1352. [PMID: 30610177 PMCID: PMC6347722 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1810951116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified a GRAP variant (c.311A>T; p.Gln104Leu) cosegregating with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness in two unrelated families. GRAP encodes a member of the highly conserved growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2)/Sem-5/drk family of proteins, which are involved in Ras signaling; however, the function of the growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2)-related adaptor protein (GRAP) in the auditory system is not known. Here, we show that, in mouse, Grap is expressed in the inner ear and the protein localizes to the neuronal fibers innervating cochlear and utricular auditory hair cells. Downstream of receptor kinase (drk), the Drosophila homolog of human GRAP, is expressed in Johnston's organ (JO), the fly hearing organ, and the loss of drk in JO causes scolopidium abnormalities. drk mutant flies present deficits in negative geotaxis behavior, which can be suppressed by human wild-type but not mutant GRAP. Furthermore, drk specifically colocalizes with synapsin at synapses, suggesting a potential role of such adaptor proteins in regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics in the nervous system. Our findings establish a causative link between GRAP mutation and nonsyndromic deafness and suggest a function of GRAP/drk in hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Guney Bademci
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Asli Subasioglu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Izmir Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, 35360 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oscar Diaz-Horta
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, 264005 Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Timothy Gavin Mitchell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Clemer Abad
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Serhat Seyhan
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Duygu Duman
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Ankara University School of Medicine, 06260 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Filiz Basak Cengiz
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Suna Tokgoz-Yilmaz
- Department of Audiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, 06260 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Susan H Blanton
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Amjad Farooq
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Katherina Walz
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136;
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, 264005 Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Mustafa Tekin
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136;
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
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8
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Asahina K. Sex differences in Drosophila behavior: Qualitative and Quantitative Dimorphism. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:35-45. [PMID: 30386833 PMCID: PMC6205217 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The importance of sex as a biological variable is being recognized by more and more researchers, including those using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Differences between the two sexes are not confined to well-known reproductive behaviors, but include other behaviors and physiological characteristics that are considered "common" to both sexes. It is possible to categorize sexual dimorphisms into "qualitative" and "quantitative" differences, and this review focuses on recent advances in elucidating genetic and neurophysiological basis of both qualitative and quantitative sex differences in Drosophila behavior. While sex-specific behaviors are often mediated by sexually dimorphic neural circuits, quantitative sexual dimorphism is caused by sex-specific modulation of a common neuronal substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Asahina
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, MNL-KA, La Jolla, California 92037, United States of America
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9
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Rodrigo-Moreno A, Bazihizina N, Azzarello E, Masi E, Tran D, Bouteau F, Baluska F, Mancuso S. Root phonotropism: Early signalling events following sound perception in Arabidopsis roots. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 264:9-15. [PMID: 28969806 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Sound is a fundamental form of energy and it has been suggested that plants can make use of acoustic cues to obtain information regarding their environments and alter and fine-tune their growth and development. Despite an increasing body of evidence indicating that it can influence plant growth and physiology, many questions concerning the effect of sound waves on plant growth and the underlying signalling mechanisms remains unknown. Here we show that in Arabidopsis thaliana, exposure to sound waves (200Hz) for 2 weeks induced positive phonotropism in roots, which grew towards to sound source. We found that sound waves triggered very quickly (within minutes) an increase in cytosolic Ca2+, possibly mediated by an influx through plasma membrane and a release from internal stock. Sound waves likewise elicited rapid reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and K+ efflux. Taken together these results suggest that changes in ion fluxes (Ca2+ and K+) and an increase in superoxide production are involved in sound perception in plants, as previously established in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rodrigo-Moreno
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences - Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Nadia Bazihizina
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences - Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Azzarello
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences - Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Masi
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences - Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniel Tran
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Energies de Demain, Paris, France
| | - François Bouteau
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Energies de Demain, Paris, France
| | | | - Stefano Mancuso
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences - Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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10
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A Mechanosensory Circuit that Mixes Opponent Channels to Produce Selectivity for Complex Stimulus Features. Neuron 2016; 92:888-901. [PMID: 27974164 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Johnston's organ is the largest mechanosensory organ in Drosophila; it analyzes movements of the antenna due to sound, wind, gravity, and touch. Different Johnston's organ neurons (JONs) encode distinct stimulus features. Certain JONs respond in a sustained manner to steady displacements, and these JONs subdivide into opponent populations that prefer push or pull displacements. Here, we describe neurons in the brain (aPN3 neurons) that combine excitation and inhibition from push/pull JONs in different ratios. Consequently, different aPN3 neurons are sensitive to movement in different parts of the antenna's range, at different frequencies, or at different amplitude modulation rates. We use a model to show how the tuning of aPN3 neurons can arise from rectification and temporal filtering in JONs, followed by mixing of JON signals in different proportions. These results illustrate how several canonical neural circuit components-rectification, opponency, and filtering-can combine to produce selectivity for complex stimulus features.
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11
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Abstract
The ability of animals to flexibly navigate through complex environments depends on the integration of sensory information with motor commands. The sensory modality most tightly linked to motor control is mechanosensation. Adaptive motor control depends critically on an animal's ability to respond to mechanical forces generated both within and outside the body. The compact neural circuits of insects provide appealing systems to investigate how mechanical cues guide locomotion in rugged environments. Here, we review our current understanding of mechanosensation in insects and its role in adaptive motor control. We first examine the detection and encoding of mechanical forces by primary mechanoreceptor neurons. We then discuss how central circuits integrate and transform mechanosensory information to guide locomotion. Because most studies in this field have been performed in locusts, cockroaches, crickets, and stick insects, the examples we cite here are drawn mainly from these 'big insects'. However, we also pay particular attention to the tiny fruit fly, Drosophila, where new tools are creating new opportunities, particularly for understanding central circuits. Our aim is to show how studies of big insects have yielded fundamental insights relevant to mechanosensation in all animals, and also to point out how the Drosophila toolkit can contribute to future progress in understanding mechanosensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Tuthill
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, 1705 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Rachel I Wilson
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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12
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Zhou C, Franconville R, Vaughan AG, Robinett CC, Jayaraman V, Baker BS. Central neural circuitry mediating courtship song perception in male Drosophila. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 26390382 PMCID: PMC4575990 DOI: 10.7554/elife.08477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals use acoustic signals across a variety of social behaviors, particularly courtship. In Drosophila, song is detected by antennal mechanosensory neurons and further processed by second-order aPN1/aLN(al) neurons. However, little is known about the central pathways mediating courtship hearing. In this study, we identified a male-specific pathway for courtship hearing via third-order ventrolateral protocerebrum Projection Neuron 1 (vPN1) neurons and fourth-order pC1 neurons. Genetic inactivation of vPN1 or pC1 disrupts song-induced male-chaining behavior. Calcium imaging reveals that vPN1 responds preferentially to pulse song with long inter-pulse intervals (IPIs), while pC1 responses to pulse song closely match the behavioral chaining responses at different IPIs. Moreover, genetic activation of either vPN1 or pC1 induced courtship chaining, mimicking the behavioral response to song. These results outline the aPN1-vPN1-pC1 pathway as a labeled line for the processing and transformation of courtship song in males. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08477.001 The seemingly simple fruit fly engages in an intricate courtship ritual before it mates. Male flies use their wings to ‘sing’ a complex song that makes females more willing to mate. The song also encourages nearby males to start courting, and these males may then intervene to compete for the female. Each species of fruit fly has its own song, and it is important for both males and females to detect the right song. The sounds of the courtship song are detected by vibration-sensitive neurons on the flies' antennae. These neurons send signals to the fly's brain. But little is known about how this information is then processed, or how information about the song can be integrated with other courtship cues. Zhou et al. have now identified a pathway of neurons in male flies that is responsible for hearing the courtship song. This pathway stretches from the antennae to neurons deep within the brain. These neural pathways are different in males and females, suggesting that the two sexes use different circuits of neurons for hearing courtship songs. Zhou et al. then used genetic techniques to show that males need every neuron in this pathway to hear courtship songs. Further experiments revealed that stimulating the ‘deep layer’ neurons caused male flies to respond as if they are hearing the courtship song. These neurons are likely to integrate the song with information from other senses and may encode a general signal for arousal. These findings now pave the way to deepen our understanding of how information from different senses—for example, courtship songs, visual cues, and pheromones—can be integrated to drive specific behaviors. The next challenge is to explore how species-specific songs are detected and recognized, a goal that has yet to be achieved in any species. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08477.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhou
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Romain Franconville
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | | | - Carmen C Robinett
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Vivek Jayaraman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Bruce S Baker
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
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13
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Vigoder FDM, Ritchie MG, Gibson G, Peixoto AA. Acoustic communication in insect disease vectors. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108 Suppl 1:26-33. [PMID: 24473800 PMCID: PMC4109177 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276130390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustic signalling has been extensively studied in insect species, which has led to a better understanding of sexual communication, sexual selection and modes of speciation. The significance of acoustic signals for a blood-sucking insect was first reported in the XIX century by Christopher Johnston, studying the hearing organs of mosquitoes, but has received relatively little attention in other disease vectors until recently. Acoustic signals are often associated with mating behaviour and sexual selection and changes in signalling can lead to rapid evolutionary divergence and may ultimately contribute to the process of speciation. Songs can also have implications for the success of novel methods of disease control such as determining the mating competitiveness of modified insects used for mass-release control programs. Species-specific sound "signatures" may help identify incipient species within species complexes that may be of epidemiological significance, e.g. of higher vectorial capacity, thereby enabling the application of more focussed control measures to optimise the reduction of pathogen transmission. Although the study of acoustic communication in insect vectors has been relatively limited, this review of research demonstrates their value as models for understanding both the functional and evolutionary significance of acoustic communication in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe de Mello Vigoder
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Brasil, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Michael Gordon Ritchie
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Scotland, Fife, Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK
| | - Gabriella Gibson
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich,, UK, Chatham MaritimeKent, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime, Kent, UK
| | - Alexandre Afranio Peixoto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Brasil, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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14
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Saleem S, Ruggles PH, Abbott WK, Carney GE. Sexual experience enhances Drosophila melanogaster male mating behavior and success. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96639. [PMID: 24805129 PMCID: PMC4013029 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition for mates is a wide-spread phenomenon affecting individual reproductive success. The ability of animals to adjust their behaviors in response to changing social environment is important and well documented. Drosophila melanogaster males compete with one another for matings with females and modify their reproductive behaviors based on prior social interactions. However, it remains to be determined how male social experience that culminates in mating with a female impacts subsequent male reproductive behaviors and mating success. Here we show that sexual experience enhances future mating success. Previously mated D. melanogaster males adjust their courtship behaviors and out-compete sexually inexperienced males for copulations. Interestingly, courtship experience alone is not sufficient in providing this competitive advantage, indicating that copulation plays a role in reinforcing this social learning. We also show that females use their sense of hearing to preferentially mate with experienced males when given a choice. Our results demonstrate the ability of previously mated males to learn from their positive sexual experiences and adjust their behaviors to gain a mating advantage. These experienced-based changes in behavior reveal strategies that animals likely use to increase their fecundity in natural competitive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehresh Saleem
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patrick H. Ruggles
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wiley K. Abbott
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ginger E. Carney
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Mazzoni V, Anfora G, Virant-Doberlet M. Substrate vibrations during courtship in three Drosophila species. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80708. [PMID: 24260459 PMCID: PMC3829934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
While a plethora of studies have focused on the role of visual, chemical and near-field airborne signals in courtship of Drosophila fruit flies, the existence of substrate-borne vibrational signals has been almost completely overlooked. Here we describe substrate vibrations generated during courtship in three species of the D. melanogaster group, from the allegedly mute species D. suzukii, its sister species D. biarmipes, and from D. melanogaster. In all species, we recorded several types of substrate vibrations which were generated by locomotion, abdominal vibrations and most likely through the activity of thoracic wing muscles. In D. melanogaster and D. suzukii, all substrate vibrations described in intact males were also recorded in males with amputated wings. Evidence suggests that vibrational signalling may be widespread among Drosophila species, and fruit flies may provide an ideal model to study various aspects of this widespread form of animal communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Mazzoni
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund, Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Anfora
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund, Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Italy
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16
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Boekhoff-Falk G, Eberl DF. The Drosophila auditory system. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2013; 3:179-91. [PMID: 24719289 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Development of a functional auditory system in Drosophila requires specification and differentiation of the chordotonal sensilla of Johnston's organ (JO) in the antenna, correct axonal targeting to the antennal mechanosensory and motor center in the brain, and synaptic connections to neurons in the downstream circuit. Chordotonal development in JO is functionally complicated by structural, molecular, and functional diversity that is not yet fully understood, and construction of the auditory neural circuitry is only beginning to unfold. Here, we describe our current understanding of developmental and molecular mechanisms that generate the exquisite functions of the Drosophila auditory system, emphasizing recent progress and highlighting important new questions arising from research on this remarkable sensory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Boekhoff-Falk
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Rossi Stacconi MV, Romani R. The Johnston's organ of three homopteran species: a comparative ultrastructural study. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2013; 42:219-228. [PMID: 23428838 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A transmission electron-microscopy study has been carried out on the pedicel of three homopteran species, with particular focus on the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball. The two other species, the planthoppers Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret and Metcalfa pruinosa Say, were investigated in order to compare the ultrastructure of the Johnston's organ (JO) among representatives of the Auchenorrhyncha group. The results showed the presence of a well developed JO located within the pedicel. Depending on the species the JO is made of 25 up to 72 scolopidia arranged in a coronal array. Each scolopidium is connective, heterodynal, amphinematic and hosts three structurally dissimilar sensory neurons. Two of them have a type 1 ciliary segment while the third bears a type 2 cilium. The type 2 dendrite tip is associated with a tubular cap and is longer than the others, ending into the cuticle at the base of the flagellum. Other scolopidia with one or two neurons were found in S. titanus, forming an accessory organ. The presence of such a well developed mechanosensory apparatus is discussed in relation with the lifestyle of the three species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Valerio Rossi Stacconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Perugia University, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; CRI-DASB Chemical Ecology, Foundation E. Mach, via E.Mach, 1, 38010 S. Michele a/A (TN), Italy.
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18
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A high-throughput behavioral paradigm for Drosophila olfaction - The Flywalk. Sci Rep 2012; 2:361. [PMID: 22511996 PMCID: PMC3328172 DOI: 10.1038/srep00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
How can odor-guided behavior of numerous individual Drosophila be assessed
automatically with high temporal resolution? For this purpose we introduce the
automatic integrated tracking and odor-delivery system Flywalk. In fifteen
aligned small wind tunnels individual flies are exposed to repeated odor pulses,
well defined in concentration and timing. The flies' positions are visually tracked,
which allows quantification of the odor-evoked walking behavior with high temporal
resolution of up to 100 ms. As a demonstration of Flywalk we show that the
flies' behavior is odorant-specific; attractive odors elicit directed upwind
movements, while repellent odors evoke decreased activity, followed by downwind
movements. These changes in behavior differ between sexes. Furthermore our findings
show that flies can evaluate the sex of a conspecific and males can determine a
female's mating status based on olfactory cues. Consequently, Flywalk allows
automatic screening of individual flies for their olfactory preference and
sensitivity.
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Immonen E, Ritchie MG. The genomic response to courtship song stimulation in female Drosophila melanogaster. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:1359-65. [PMID: 21976688 PMCID: PMC3282362 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Courtship behaviour involves a complex exchange of signals and responses. These are usually studied at the phenotypic level, and genetic or transcriptional responses to courtship are still poorly understood. Here, we examine the gene-expression changes in Drosophila melanogaster females in response to one of the key male courtship signals in mate recognition, song produced by male wing vibration. Using long oligonucleotide microarrays, we identified several genes that responded differentially to the presence or absence of acoustic courtship stimulus. These changes were modest in both the number of genes involved and fold-changes, but notably dominated by antennal signalling genes involved in olfaction as well as neuropeptides and immune response genes. Second, we compared the expression patterns of females stimulated with synthetic song typical of either conspecific or heterospecific (Drosophila simulans) males. In this case, antennal olfactory signalling and innate immunity genes were also enriched among the differentially expressed genes. We confirmed and investigated the time course of expression differences of two identified immunity genes using real-time quantitative PCR. Our results provide novel insight into specific molecular changes in females in response to courtship song stimulation. These may be involved in both signal perception and interpretation and some may anticipate molecular interactions that occur between the sexes after mating.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael G. Ritchie
- Centre for Evolution, Genes and Genomics, School of Biology, Dyers Brae House, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH, UK
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Abstract
Aggressive behavior is widely present throughout the animal kingdom and is crucial to ensure survival and reproduction. Aggressive actions serve to acquire territory, food, or mates and in defense against predators or rivals; while in some species these behaviors are involved in establishing a social hierarchy. Aggression is a complex behavior, influenced by a broad range of genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies in Drosophila provide insight into the genetic basis and control of aggression. The state of the art on aggression in Drosophila and the many opportunities provided by this model organism to unravel the genetic and neurobiological basis of aggression are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Zwarts
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, K.U. Leuven Center for Human Genetics, VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Males use multiple, redundant cues to detect mating rivals. Curr Biol 2011; 21:617-22. [PMID: 21439827 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Across many species, males exhibit plastic responses when they encounter mating rivals. The ability to tailor responses to the presence of rivals allows males to increase investment in reproduction only when necessary. This is important given that reproduction imposes costs that limit male reproductive capacity, particularly when sperm competition occurs. Fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster) males exposed to rivals subsequently mate for longer and thus accrue fitness benefits under increased competition, in line with theory. Here, we show that male D. melanogaster detect rivals by using a suite of cues and that the resulting responses lead directly to significant fitness benefits. We used multiple techniques to systematically remove auditory, olfactory, tactile, and visual cues, first singly and then in all possible combinations. No single cue alone was sufficient to allow males to detect rivals. However, the perception of any two cues from sound, smell, or touch permitted males to detect and respond adaptively to rivals through increased offspring production. Vision was only of marginal importance in this context. The findings indicate adaptive redundancy through the use of multiple, but interchangeable, cues. We reveal the robust mechanisms by which males assess their socio-sexual environment to precisely attune responses via the expression of plastic behavior.
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Abstract
Which neurons in the brain "decide" to initiate particular behaviors in response to sensory information? In this issue of Neuron, two papers (Kohatsu et al. and von Philipsborn et al.) identify candidates in the courtship circuitry of Drosophila. The activity of these neurons is both regulated by sex pheromones and necessary and sufficient to trigger male love song.
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Immonen E, Ritchie M. Animal Communication: Flies' Ears Are Tuned In. Curr Biol 2011; 21:R278-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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