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Ali MZ, Anushree, Ahsan A, Ola MS, Haque R, Ahsan J. Ionotropic receptors mediate olfactory learning and memory in Drosophila. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:1249-1269. [PMID: 38114448 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Phenylacetaldehyde (PAH), an aromatic compound, is present in a diverse range of fruits including overripe bananas and prickly pear cactus, the two major host fruits for Drosophila melanogaster. PAH acts as a potent ligand for the ionotropic receptor 84a (IR84a) in the adult fruit fly and it is detected by the IR84a/IR8a heterotetrameric complex. Its role in the male courtship behavior through IR84a as an environmental aphrodisiac is of additional importance. In D. melanogaster, two distinct kinds of olfactory receptors, that is, odorant receptors (ORs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs), perceive the odorant stimuli. They display unique structural, molecular, and functional characteristics in addition to having different evolutionary origins. Traditionally, olfactory cues detected by the ORs such as ethyl acetate, 1-butanol, isoamyl acetate, 1-octanol, 4-methylcyclohexanol, etc. classified as aliphatic esters and alcohols have been employed in olfactory classical conditioning using fruit flies. This underlines the participation of OR-activated olfactory pathways in learning and memory formation. Our study elucidates that likewise ethyl acetate (EA) (an OR-responsive odorant), PAH (an IR-responsive aromatic compound) too can form learning and memory when associated with an appetitive gustatory reinforcer. The association of PAH with sucrose (PAH/SUC) led to learning and formation of the long-term memory (LTM). Additionally, the Orco1, Ir84aMI00501, and Ir8a1 mutant flies were used to confirm the exclusive participation of the IR84a/IR8a complex in PAH/SUC olfactory associative conditioning. These results highlight the involvement of IRs via an IR-activated pathway in facilitating robust olfactory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zeeshan Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Anushree
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Aarif Ahsan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mohammad Shamsul Ola
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Jawaid Ahsan
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
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2
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Braun J, Hurtak F, Wang-Chen S, Ramdya P. Descending networks transform command signals into population motor control. Nature 2024; 630:686-694. [PMID: 38839968 PMCID: PMC11186778 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07523-9] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
To convert intentions into actions, movement instructions must pass from the brain to downstream motor circuits through descending neurons (DNs). These include small sets of command-like neurons that are sufficient to drive behaviours1-the circuit mechanisms for which remain unclear. Here we show that command-like DNs in Drosophila directly recruit networks of additional DNs to orchestrate behaviours that require the active control of numerous body parts. Specifically, we found that command-like DNs previously thought to drive behaviours alone2-4 in fact co-activate larger populations of DNs. Connectome analyses and experimental manipulations revealed that this functional recruitment can be explained by direct excitatory connections between command-like DNs and networks of interconnected DNs in the brain. Descending population recruitment is necessary for behavioural control: DNs with many downstream descending partners require network co-activation to drive complete behaviours and drive only simple stereotyped movements in their absence. These DN networks reside within behaviour-specific clusters that inhibit one another. These results support a mechanism for command-like descending control in which behaviours are generated through the recruitment of increasingly large DN networks that compose behaviours by combining multiple motor subroutines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Braun
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Femke Hurtak
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sibo Wang-Chen
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pavan Ramdya
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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3
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Zhuravlev AV, Vetrovoy OV, Zalomaeva ES, Egozova ES, Nikitina EA, Savvateeva-Popova EV. Overexpression of the limk1 Gene in Drosophila melanogaster Can Lead to Suppression of Courtship Memory in Males. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:393-406. [PMID: 38648760 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924030015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Courtship suppression is a behavioral adaptation of the fruit fly. When majority of the females in a fly population are fertilized and non-receptive for mating, a male, after a series of failed attempts, decreases its courtship activity towards all females, saving its energy and reproductive resources. The time of courtship decrease depends on both duration of unsuccessful courtship and genetically determined features of the male nervous system. Thereby, courtship suppression paradigm can be used for studying molecular mechanisms of learning and memory. p-Cofilin, a component of the actin remodeling signaling cascade and product of LIM-kinase 1 (LIMK1), regulates Drosophila melanogaster forgetting in olfactory learning paradigm. Previously, we have shown that limk1 suppression in the specific types of nervous cells differently affects fly courtship memory. Here, we used Gal4 > UAS system to induce limk1 overexpression in the same types of neurons. limk1 activation in the mushroom body, glia, and fruitless neurons decreased learning index compared to the control strain or the strain with limk1 knockdown. In cholinergic and dopaminergic/serotoninergic neurons, both overexpression and knockdown of limk1 impaired Drosophila short-term memory. Thus, proper balance of the limk1 activity is crucial for normal cognitive activity of the fruit fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr V Zhuravlev
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | - Oleg V Vetrovoy
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina S Zalomaeva
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
- Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russia
| | - Ekaterina S Egozova
- Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina A Nikitina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
- Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russia
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4
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Gebehart C, Büschges A. The processing of proprioceptive signals in distributed networks: insights from insect motor control. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246182. [PMID: 38180228 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246182] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The integration of sensory information is required to maintain body posture and to generate robust yet flexible locomotion through unpredictable environments. To anticipate required adaptations in limb posture and enable compensation of sudden perturbations, an animal's nervous system assembles external (exteroception) and internal (proprioception) cues. Coherent neuronal representations of the proprioceptive context of the body and the appendages arise from the concerted action of multiple sense organs monitoring body kinetics and kinematics. This multimodal proprioceptive information, together with exteroceptive signals and brain-derived descending motor commands, converges onto premotor networks - i.e. the local neuronal circuitry controlling motor output and movements - within the ventral nerve cord (VNC), the insect equivalent of the vertebrate spinal cord. This Review summarizes existing knowledge and recent advances in understanding how local premotor networks in the VNC use convergent information to generate contextually appropriate activity, focusing on the example of posture control. We compare the role and advantages of distributed sensory processing over dedicated neuronal pathways, and the challenges of multimodal integration in distributed networks. We discuss how the gain of distributed networks may be tuned to enable the behavioral repertoire of these systems, and argue that insect premotor networks might compensate for their limited neuronal population size by, in comparison to vertebrate networks, relying more heavily on the specificity of their connections. At a time in which connectomics and physiological recording techniques enable anatomical and functional circuit dissection at an unprecedented resolution, insect motor systems offer unique opportunities to identify the mechanisms underlying multimodal integration for flexible motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Gebehart
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Research, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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5
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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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Seong KH, Uemura T, Kang S. Road to sexual maturity: Behavioral event schedule from eclosion to first mating in each sex of Drosophila melanogaster. iScience 2023; 26:107502. [PMID: 37636050 PMCID: PMC10448111 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107502] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals achieve their first mating through the process of sexual maturation. This study examined the precise and detailed timing of a series of behavioral events, including wing expansion, first feeding, first excretion, and courtship, during sexual maturation from eclosion to first mating in D. melanogaster. We found that the time of first mating is genetically invariant and is not affected by light/dark cycle or food intake after eclosion. We also found sexual dimorphism in locomotor activity after eclosion, with females increasing locomotor activity earlier than males. In addition, we found a time rapidly changing from extremely low to high sexual activity in males post eclosion (named "drastic male courtship arousal" or DMCA). These behavioral traits leading up to the first mating could serve as clear indicators of sexual maturation and establish precisely timed developmental landmarks to explore further the mechanisms underlying the integration of behavioral and physiological sexual maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hyeon Seong
- Department of Liberal Arts and Human Development, Kanagawa University of Human Services, 1-10-1 Heiseicho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8522, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)-CREST, AMED, 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Tadashi Uemura
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Center for Living Systems Information Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)-CREST, AMED, 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Siu Kang
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)-CREST, AMED, 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
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7
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Ueda A, Berg A, Khan T, Ruzicka M, Li S, Cramer E, Iyengar A, Wu CF. Intense light unleashes male-male courtship behaviour in wild-type Drosophila. Open Biol 2023; 13:220233. [PMID: 37463658 PMCID: PMC10353890 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila courtship studies have elucidated several principles of the neurogenetic organization of complex behaviour. Through an integration across sensory modalities, males perform stereotypic patterns of chasing, courtship song production and copulation attempts. Here we report a serendipitous finding that intense light not only enhances courtship toward female targets but also triggers unexpected courtship behaviours among male flies. Strikingly, in wild-type male-only chambers, we observed extreme behavioural manifestations, such as 'chaining' and 'wheeling', resembling previously reported male-male courtship behaviours in fruitless mutants and in transformants with ectopic mini-white+ overexpression. This male-male courtship was greatly diminished in a variety of visual system mutants, including disrupted phototransduction (norpA), eliminated eye-colour screening pigments (white), or deletion of the R7 photoreceptor cells (sevenless). However, light-induced courtship was unhampered in wing-cut flies, despite their inability to produce courtship song, a major acoustic signal during courtship. Unexpectedly the olfactory mutants orco and sbl displayed unrestrained male-male courtship. Particularly, orco males attained maximum courtship scores under either dim or intense light conditions. Together, our observations support the notion that the innate male courtship behaviour is restrained by olfactory cues under normal conditions but can be unleashed by strong visual stimulation in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Ueda
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Abigayle Berg
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Tashmit Khan
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Shuwen Li
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ellyn Cramer
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Atulya Iyengar
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Chun-Fang Wu
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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8
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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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9
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Ebrahim SA, Dweck HK, Weiss BL, Carlson JR. A volatile sex attractant of tsetse flies. Science 2023; 379:eade1877. [PMID: 36795837 PMCID: PMC10204727 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade1877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomes-parasites that cause devastating diseases in humans and livestock-across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Chemical communication through volatile pheromones is common among insects; however, it remains unknown if and how such chemical communication occurs in tsetse flies. We identified methyl palmitoleate (MPO), methyl oleate, and methyl palmitate as compounds that are produced by the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans and elicit strong behavioral responses. MPO evoked a behavioral response in male-but not virgin female-G. morsitans. G. morsitans males mounted females of another species, Glossina fuscipes, when they were treated with MPO. We further identified a subpopulation of olfactory neurons in G. morsitans that increase their firing rate in response to MPO and showed that infecting flies with African trypanosomes alters the flies' chemical profile and mating behavior. The identification of volatile attractants in tsetse flies may be useful for reducing disease spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A.M. Ebrahim
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hany K.M. Dweck
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brian L. Weiss
- Dept. of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - John R. Carlson
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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10
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Zhuravlev AV, Ivanova PN, Makaveeva KA, Zakharov GA, Nikitina EA, Savvateeva-Popova EV. cd1 Mutation in Drosophila Affects Phenoxazinone Synthase Catalytic Site and Impairs Long-Term Memory. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012356. [PMID: 36293213 PMCID: PMC9604555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Being involved in development of Huntington's, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism plays a significant role in modulation of neuropathology. Accumulation of a prooxidant 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HOK) leads to oxidative stress and neuronal cell apoptosis. Drosophila mutant cardinal (cd1) with 3-HOK excess shows age-dependent neurodegeneration and short-term memory impairments, thereby presenting a model for senile dementia. Although cd gene for phenoxazinone synthase (PHS) catalyzing 3-HOK dimerization has been presumed to harbor the cd1 mutation, its molecular nature remained obscure. Using next generation sequencing, we have shown that the cd gene in cd1 carries a long deletion leading to PHS active site destruction. Contrary to the wild type Canton-S (CS), cd1 males showed defective long-term memory (LTM) in conditioned courtship suppression paradigm (CCSP) at days 5-29 after eclosion. The number of dopaminergic neurons (DAN) regulating fly locomotor activity showed an age-dependent tendency to decrease in cd1 relative to CS. Thus, in accordance with the concept "from the gene to behavior" proclaimed by S. Benzer, we have shown that the aberrant PHS sequence in cd1 provokes drastic LTM impairments and DAN alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr V. Zhuravlev
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Polina N. Ivanova
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ksenia A. Makaveeva
- Faculty of Biology, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, 191186 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Ekaterina A. Nikitina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, 191186 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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11
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Hermans L, Kaynak M, Braun J, Ríos VL, Chen CL, Friedberg A, Günel S, Aymanns F, Sakar MS, Ramdya P. Microengineered devices enable long-term imaging of the ventral nerve cord in behaving adult Drosophila. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5006. [PMID: 36008386 PMCID: PMC9411199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamics and connectivity of neural circuits continuously change on timescales ranging from milliseconds to an animal's lifetime. Therefore, to understand biological networks, minimally invasive methods are required to repeatedly record them in behaving animals. Here we describe a suite of devices that enable long-term optical recordings of the adult Drosophila melanogaster ventral nerve cord (VNC). These consist of transparent, numbered windows to replace thoracic exoskeleton, compliant implants to displace internal organs, a precision arm to assist implantation, and a hinged stage to repeatedly tether flies. To validate and illustrate our toolkit we (i) show minimal impact on animal behavior and survival, (ii) follow the degradation of chordotonal organ mechanosensory nerve terminals over weeks after leg amputation, and (iii) uncover waves of neural activity caffeine ingestion. Thus, our long-term imaging toolkit opens up the investigation of premotor and motor circuit adaptations in response to injury, drug ingestion, aging, learning, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hermans
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Microbiorobotic Systems Laboratory, Institute of Mechanical Engineering & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Murat Kaynak
- Microbiorobotic Systems Laboratory, Institute of Mechanical Engineering & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Braun
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Victor Lobato Ríos
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chin-Lin Chen
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adam Friedberg
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Semih Günel
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Computer Vision Laboratory, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Aymanns
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mahmut Selman Sakar
- Microbiorobotic Systems Laboratory, Institute of Mechanical Engineering & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Pavan Ramdya
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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12
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Maaroufi HO, Pauchova L, Lin YH, Wu BCH, Rouhova L, Kucerova L, Vieira LC, Renner M, Sehadova H, Hradilova M, Zurovec M. Mutation in Drosophila concentrative nucleoside transporter 1 alters spermatid maturation and mating behavior. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:945572. [PMID: 36105362 PMCID: PMC9467524 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.945572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Concentrative nucleoside transporters (Cnts) are unidirectional carriers that mediate the energy-costly influx of nucleosides driven by the transmembrane sodium gradient. Cnts are transmembrane proteins that share a common structural organization and are found in all phyla. Although there have been studies on Cnts from a biochemical perspective, no deep research has examined their role at the organismal level. Here, we investigated the role of the Drosophila melanogaster cnt1 gene, which is specifically expressed in the testes. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a mutation in the cnt1 gene. The cnt1 mutants exhibited defects in the duration of copulation and spermatid maturation, which significantly impaired male fertility. The most striking effect of the cnt1 mutation in spermatid maturation was an abnormal structure of the sperm tail, in which the formation of major and minor mitochondrial derivatives was disrupted. Our results demonstrate the importance of cnt1 in male fertility and suggest that the observed defects in mating behavior and spermatogenesis are due to alterations in nucleoside transport and associated metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Ouns Maaroufi
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Lucie Pauchova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Yu-Hsien Lin
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Bulah Chia-Hsiang Wu
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Lenka Rouhova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Lucie Kucerova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Ligia Cota Vieira
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Marek Renner
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Hana Sehadova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Miluse Hradilova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Zurovec
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Michal Zurovec,
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13
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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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14
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Ma B, Wang R, Liu Y, Deng B, Wang T, Wu F, Zhou C. Serotonin Signaling Modulates Sexual Receptivity of Virgin Female Drosophila. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1277-1291. [PMID: 35788510 PMCID: PMC9672162 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00908-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The choice of females to accept or reject male courtship is a critical decision for animal reproduction. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) has been found to regulate sexual behavior in many species, but it is unclear how 5-HT and its receptors function to regulate different aspects of sexual behavior. Here we used Drosophila melanogaster as the model animal to investigate how 5-HT and its receptors modulate female sexual receptivity. We found that knockout of tryptophan hydroxylase (Trh), which is involved in the biosynthesis of 5-HT, severely reduced virgin female receptivity without affecting post-mating behaviors. We identified a subset of sexually dimorphic Trh neurons that co-expressed fruitless (fru), in which the activity was correlated with sexual receptivity in females. We also found that 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors regulate virgin female receptivity. Our findings demonstrate how 5-HT functions in sexually dimorphic neurons to promote virgin female receptivity through two of its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxu Ma
- 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, 100101, China
| | - Rencong Wang
- 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, 100101, China
| | - Yaohua Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 30801, China
| | - Bowen Deng
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Zhongguancun Life Sciences Park, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fengming Wu
- 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, 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, 100101, China. .,Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China.
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15
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Neural Control of Action Selection Among Innate Behaviors. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1541-1558. [PMID: 35633465 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00886-x] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous systems must not only generate specific adaptive behaviors, such as reproduction, aggression, feeding, and sleep, but also select a single behavior for execution at any given time, depending on both internal states and external environmental conditions. Despite their tremendous biological importance, the neural mechanisms of action selection remain poorly understood. In the past decade, studies in the model animal Drosophila melanogaster have demonstrated valuable neural mechanisms underlying action selection of innate behaviors. In this review, we summarize circuit mechanisms with a particular focus on a small number of sexually dimorphic neurons in controlling action selection among sex, fight, feeding, and sleep behaviors in both sexes of flies. We also discuss potentially conserved circuit configurations and neuromodulation of action selection in both the fly and mouse models, aiming to provide insights into action selection and the sexually dimorphic prioritization of innate behaviors.
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16
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NeuroMechFly, a neuromechanical model of adult Drosophila melanogaster. Nat Methods 2022; 19:620-627. [PMID: 35545713 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Animal behavior emerges from an interaction between neural network dynamics, musculoskeletal properties and the physical environment. Accessing and understanding the interplay between these elements requires the development of integrative and morphologically realistic neuromechanical simulations. Here we present NeuroMechFly, a data-driven model of the widely studied organism, Drosophila melanogaster. NeuroMechFly combines four independent computational modules: a physics-based simulation environment, a biomechanical exoskeleton, muscle models and neural network controllers. To enable use cases, we first define the minimum degrees of freedom of the leg from real three-dimensional kinematic measurements during walking and grooming. Then, we show how, by replaying these behaviors in the simulator, one can predict otherwise unmeasured torques and contact forces. Finally, we leverage NeuroMechFly's full neuromechanical capacity to discover neural networks and muscle parameters that drive locomotor gaits optimized for speed and stability. Thus, NeuroMechFly can increase our understanding of how behaviors emerge from interactions between complex neuromechanical systems and their physical surroundings.
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17
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Pavković-Lučić S, Trajković J, Miličić D, Anđelković B, Lučić L, Savić T, Vujisić L. "Scent of a fruit fly": Cuticular chemoprofiles after mating in differently fed Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) strains. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 109:e21866. [PMID: 35020218 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the world of complex smells in natural environment, feeding and mating represent two important olfactory-guided behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Diet affects the chemoprofile composition of the individuals, which, indirectly, may significantly affect their mating success. In this study, chemoprofiles of recently mated flies belonging to four D. melanogaster strains, which were fed for many generations on different substrates (standard cornmeal-S strain; banana-B strain; carrot-C strain; tomato-T strain) were identified and quantified. In total, 67 chemical compounds were identified: 48 compounds were extracted from males maintained on banana and carrot, and 47 compounds from males maintained on cornmeal and tomato substrates, while total of 60 compounds were identified in females from all strains. The strains and the sexes significantly differed in qualitative nature of their chemoprofiles after mating. Significant differences in the relative amount of three major male pheromones (cis-vaccenyl acetate-cVA, (Z)-7-pentacosene, and (Z)-7-tricosene) and in female pheromone (Z,Z)-7,11-nonacosadiene among strains were also recorded. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) pointed to significant differences between virgin and mated individuals of all strains and within both sexes. Differences in some of the well known sex pheromones were also identified when comparing their relative amount before and after mating. The presence of typical male pheromones in females, and vice versa may indicate their bidirectional transfer during copulation. Our results confirm significant effect of mating status on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) phenotypes in differently fed D. melanogaster flies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dragana Miličić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Luka Lučić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Savić
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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18
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Aymanns F, Chen CL, Ramdya P. Descending neuron population dynamics during odor-evoked and spontaneous limb-dependent behaviors. eLife 2022; 11:81527. [PMID: 36286408 PMCID: PMC9605690 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Deciphering how the brain regulates motor circuits to control complex behaviors is an important, long-standing challenge in neuroscience. In the fly, Drosophila melanogaster, this is coordinated by a population of ~ 1100 descending neurons (DNs). Activating only a few DNs is known to be sufficient to drive complex behaviors like walking and grooming. However, what additional role the larger population of DNs plays during natural behaviors remains largely unknown. For example, they may modulate core behavioral commands or comprise parallel pathways that are engaged depending on sensory context. We evaluated these possibilities by recording populations of nearly 100 DNs in individual tethered flies while they generated limb-dependent behaviors, including walking and grooming. We found that the largest fraction of recorded DNs encode walking while fewer are active during head grooming and resting. A large fraction of walk-encoding DNs encode turning and far fewer weakly encode speed. Although odor context does not determine which behavior-encoding DNs are recruited, a few DNs encode odors rather than behaviors. Lastly, we illustrate how one can identify individual neurons from DN population recordings by using their spatial, functional, and morphological properties. These results set the stage for a comprehensive, population-level understanding of how the brain’s descending signals regulate complex motor actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Aymanns
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Chin-Lin Chen
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Pavan Ramdya
- Neuroengineering Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute & Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
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19
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Lin D, Guo Y, Chen X, Yang H, Li Q, Liu Q, Luo F, Meng K, Yang S, Cheng X, Ma W, Chen X, Wang M, Zhao Y. Identification and expression pattern of the sex determination gene fruitless-like in Cherax quadricarinatus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 259:110704. [PMID: 34920111 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2021.110704] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The fruitless (fru) gene has an important function in the courtship behavior and sex determination pathway of Drosophila melanogaster; however, the fru gene has never been reported in shrimps. In this study, the fruitless-like gene was identified in Cherax quadricarinatus (Cqfru) and is reported here for the first time. A sequence analysis revealed a conserved BTB domain in Cqfru which is the same as fru in D. melanogaster. An analysis of the expression level of Cqfru showed that it was highly expressed in the gastrula stage during embryonic development. Furthermore, in situ hybridization and expression distribution in tissues showed that its sexually dimorphic expression may be focused on the hepatopancreas, brains, and gonads. The gonads, brains, and hepatopancreas of males had a higher expression level of Cqfru than those of females; however, the expression level of the abdominal ganglion was found to be higher in females than in males in this study. The results of an RNA interference treatment showed that a knockdown of Cqfru reduced the expression of the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The characteristic fru gene in shrimps is reported here for the first time, with the results providing basic information for research into the sex-determination mechanism in C. quadricarinatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Lin
- Tianjin Key Lab of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yongjun Guo
- Tianjin Key Lab of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiuli Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Huizan Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Qiangyong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Qingyun Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Fuli Luo
- Tianjin Key Lab of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Kui Meng
- Tianjin Key Lab of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Songting Yang
- Tianjin Key Lab of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xinquan Cheng
- Tianjin Key Lab of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Wenming Ma
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Moran Wang
- Tianjin Key Lab of Aqua-Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China.
| | - Yongzhen Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Nanning, China.
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20
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Sarkar A, Mahendran TS, Meenakshisundaram A, Christopher RV, Dan P, Sundararajan V, Jana N, Venkatasubbu D, Sheik Mohideen S. Role of cerium oxide nanoparticles in improving oxidative stress and developmental delays in Drosophila melanogaster as an in-vivo model for bisphenol a toxicity. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131363. [PMID: 34225110 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical used commonly in the manufacture of plastic bottles, beverage cans, consumer products, and medical devices. It has a high risk of disrupting hormone-mediated processes which are critical for the growth and development of an infant. In the present study, the flies are exposed to different concentrations of BPA (0.05 and 0.5 mM), which represented the federally regulated LOAEL (50 mg/kg bw/day) and a higher dose of 1 mM, to study the change in cell death, nuclear instability oxidative stress, and behavioral anomalies leading to complex behavioral disorders like Autism. Effects of BPA doses (0.05, 0.5, 1 mM) were studied and the flies showed deficits in social interaction, locomotion, and enhanced oxidative stress that was found to be deteriorating among the flies. Automated tracking and robust MATLAB analysis of behavioral paradigms like position, movement, velocity, and courtship have given us an insight into a detrimental change in development and behavior when exposed to BPA. The flies were also co-treated with Cerium Oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NP), well known for its antioxidant properties due to their antioxidant enzyme biomimetic nature, resulted in low oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and an improvement in behavior. In this work, we have tested our hypothesis of oxidative stress and nuclear instability as a potent cause for improper development in Drosophila when exposed to EDCs like BPA which is a potential hazard for both health and environment and might lead to various developmental disorders in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkajyoti Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tharun Selvam Mahendran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aasha Meenakshisundaram
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rushenka Vashti Christopher
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pallavi Dan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vignesh Sundararajan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nishant Jana
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Devanand Venkatasubbu
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sahabudeen Sheik Mohideen
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India.
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21
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Insights into the genomic evolution of insects from cricket genomes. Commun Biol 2021; 4:733. [PMID: 34127782 PMCID: PMC8203789 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of our knowledge of insect genomes comes from Holometabolous species, which undergo complete metamorphosis and have genomes typically under 2 Gb with little signs of DNA methylation. In contrast, Hemimetabolous insects undergo the presumed ancestral process of incomplete metamorphosis, and have larger genomes with high levels of DNA methylation. Hemimetabolous species from the Orthopteran order (grasshoppers and crickets) have some of the largest known insect genomes. What drives the evolution of these unusual insect genome sizes, remains unknown. Here we report the sequencing, assembly and annotation of the 1.66-Gb genome of the Mediterranean field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, and the annotation of the 1.60-Gb genome of the Hawaiian cricket Laupala kohalensis. We compare these two cricket genomes with those of 14 additional insects and find evidence that hemimetabolous genomes expanded due to transposable element activity. Based on the ratio of observed to expected CpG sites, we find higher conservation and stronger purifying selection of methylated genes than non-methylated genes. Finally, our analysis suggests an expansion of the pickpocket class V gene family in crickets, which we speculate might play a role in the evolution of cricket courtship, including their characteristic chirping. Ylla, Extavour et al. use genomic data from crickets to investigate the evolution of large genome sizes and DNA methylation events in insects. Their findings indicate that transposable element activity drove genome expansion in hemimetabolous insects, such as crickets and grasshoppers, and that DNA methylation is predominant in conserved genes.
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22
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Diaz F, Allan CW, Markow TA, Bono JM, Matzkin LM. Gene expression and alternative splicing dynamics are perturbed in female head transcriptomes following heterospecific copulation. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:359. [PMID: 34006224 PMCID: PMC8132402 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07669-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing interest in the female side of copulatory interactions, the roles played by differential expression and alternative splicing mechanisms of pre-RNA on tissues outside of the reproductive tract have remained largely unknown. Here we addressed these questions in the context of con- vs heterospecific matings between Drosophila mojavensis and its sister species, D. arizonae. We analyzed transcriptional responses in female heads using an integrated investigation of genome-wide patterns of gene expression, including differential expression (DE), alternative splicing (AS) and intron retention (IR). RESULTS Our results indicated that early transcriptional responses were largely congruent between con- and heterospecific matings but are substantially perturbed over time. Conspecific matings induced functional pathways related to amino acid balance previously associated with the brain's physiology and female postmating behavior. Heterospecific matings often failed to activate regulation of some of these genes and induced expression of additional genes when compared with those of conspecifically-mated females. These mechanisms showed functional specializations with DE genes mostly linked to pathways of proteolysis and nutrient homeostasis, while AS genes were more related to photoreception and muscle assembly pathways. IR seems to play a more general role in DE regulation during the female postmating response. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence showing that AS genes substantially perturbed by heterospecific matings in female heads evolve at slower evolutionary rates than the genome background. However, DE genes evolve at evolutionary rates similar, or even higher, than those of male reproductive genes, which highlights their potential role in sexual selection and the evolution of reproductive barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Diaz
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Carson W Allan
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Therese Ann Markow
- Cinvestav UGA-Langebio, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jeremy M Bono
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, USA.
| | - Luciano M Matzkin
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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23
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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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24
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Spierer AN, Mossman JA, Smith SP, Crawford L, Ramachandran S, Rand DM. Natural variation in the regulation of neurodevelopmental genes modifies flight performance in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1008887. [PMID: 33735180 PMCID: PMC7971549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The winged insects of the order Diptera are colloquially named for their most recognizable phenotype: flight. These insects rely on flight for a number of important life history traits, such as dispersal, foraging, and courtship. Despite the importance of flight, relatively little is known about the genetic architecture of flight performance. Accordingly, we sought to uncover the genetic modifiers of flight using a measure of flies’ reaction and response to an abrupt drop in a vertical flight column. We conducted a genome wide association study (GWAS) using 197 of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) lines, and identified a combination of additive and marginal variants, epistatic interactions, whole genes, and enrichment across interaction networks. Egfr, a highly pleiotropic developmental gene, was among the most significant additive variants identified. We functionally validated 13 of the additive candidate genes’ (Adgf-A/Adgf-A2/CG32181, bru1, CadN, flapper (CG11073), CG15236, flippy (CG9766), CREG, Dscam4, form3, fry, Lasp/CG9692, Pde6, Snoo), and introduce a novel approach to whole gene significance screens: PEGASUS_flies. Additionally, we identified ppk23, an Acid Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC) homolog, as an important hub for epistatic interactions. We propose a model that suggests genetic modifiers of wing and muscle morphology, nervous system development and function, BMP signaling, sexually dimorphic neural wiring, and gene regulation are all important for the observed differences flight performance in a natural population. Additionally, these results represent a snapshot of the genetic modifiers affecting drop-response flight performance in Drosophila, with implications for other insects. Insect flight is a widely recognizable phenotype of many winged insects, hence the name: flies. While fruit flies, or Drosophila melanogaster, are a genetically tractable model, flight performance is a highly integrative phenotype, and therefore challenging to identify comprehensively which genetic modifiers contribute to its genetic architecture. Accordingly, we screened 197 Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel lines for their ability to react and respond to an abrupt drop. Using several computational approaches, we identified additive, marginal, and epistatic variants, as well as whole genes and altered sub-networks of gene-gene and protein-protein interaction networks that contribute to variation in flight performance. More generally, we demonstrate the benefits of employing multiple methodologies to elucidate the genetic architecture of complex traits. Many variants and genes mapped to regions of the genome that affect neurodevelopment, wing and muscle development, and regulation of gene expression. We also introduce PEGASUS_flies, a Drosophila-adapted version of the PEGASUS platform first used in human studies, to infer gene-level significance of association based on the gene’s distribution of individual variant P-values. Our results contribute to the debate over the relative importance of individual, additive factors and epistatic, or higher order, interactions, in the mapping of genotype to phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam N Spierer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Jim A Mossman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Samuel Pattillo Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Lorin Crawford
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Microsoft Research New England, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sohini Ramachandran
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - David M Rand
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
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25
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Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster males reduce courtship behaviour after mating failure. In the lab, such conditioned courtship suppression, aka 'courtship conditioning', serves as a complex learning and memory assay. Interestingly, variations in the courtship conditioning assay can establish different types of memory. Here, we review research investigating the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that allow male flies to form memories of previous mating failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Raun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Spencer Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jamie M Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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26
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Zhang Y, Ng R, Neville MC, Goodwin SF, Su CY. Distinct Roles and Synergistic Function of Fru M Isoforms in Drosophila Olfactory Receptor Neurons. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108516. [PMID: 33326795 PMCID: PMC7845487 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism in Drosophila courtship circuits requires the male-specific transcription factor fruM, which is alternatively spliced to encode the FruMA, FruMB, and FruMC isoforms. Most fruM-positive neurons express multiple variants; however, the functional significance of their co-expression remains undetermined. Do co-expressed isoforms each play unique roles to jointly regulate dimorphism? By focusing on fruM-positive olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), here, we show that FruMB and FruMC are both required for males' age-dependent sensitization to aphrodisiac olfactory cues in a cell-autonomous manner. Interestingly, FruMB expression is upregulated with age in Or47b and Ir84a ORNs, and its overexpression mimics the effect of age in elevating olfactory responses. Mechanistically, FruMB and FruMC synergistically mediate response sensitization through cooperation of their respective downstream effectors, namely, PPK25 and PPK23, which are both required for forming a functional amplification channel in ORNs. Together, these results provide critical mechanistic insight into how co-expressed FruM isoforms jointly coordinate dimorphic neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Renny Ng
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Megan C Neville
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stephen F Goodwin
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Chih-Ying Su
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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27
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Schretter CE, Aso Y, Robie AA, Dreher M, Dolan MJ, Chen N, Ito M, Yang T, Parekh R, Branson KM, Rubin GM. Cell types and neuronal circuitry underlying female aggression in Drosophila. eLife 2020; 9:58942. [PMID: 33141021 PMCID: PMC7787668 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive social interactions are used to compete for limited resources and are regulated by complex sensory cues and the organism’s internal state. While both sexes exhibit aggression, its neuronal underpinnings are understudied in females. Here, we identify a population of sexually dimorphic aIPg neurons in the adult Drosophila melanogaster central brain whose optogenetic activation increased, and genetic inactivation reduced, female aggression. Analysis of GAL4 lines identified in an unbiased screen for increased female chasing behavior revealed the involvement of another sexually dimorphic neuron, pC1d, and implicated aIPg and pC1d neurons as core nodes regulating female aggression. Connectomic analysis demonstrated that aIPg neurons and pC1d are interconnected and suggest that aIPg neurons may exert part of their effect by gating the flow of visual information to descending neurons. Our work reveals important regulatory components of the neuronal circuitry that underlies female aggressive social interactions and provides tools for their manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshinori Aso
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Alice A Robie
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Marisa Dreher
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Michael-John Dolan
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States.,Current address: Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Nan Chen
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Masayoshi Ito
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Tansy Yang
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Ruchi Parekh
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Kristin M Branson
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Gerald M Rubin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
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28
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Dhar G, Bag J, Mishra M. Environmental cue affects the hearing-related behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster by targeting the redox pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:32899-32912. [PMID: 32524398 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental cues like noise, pressure, and circadian rhythm can affect the hearing ability of human beings. Nevertheless, the complex physiology of the human being does not allow us to understand how these factors can affect hearing and hearing-related behaviors. Conversely, these effects can be easily checked using the hearing organ of Drosophila melanogaster, the Johnston organ. In the current study, the Drosophila was exposed to challenging environments like noise, low pressure, and altered circadian rhythm. The hearing organ of larvae, as well as adults, was analyzed for hearing-related defects. In the third instar larva, the cell deaths were detected in the antenna imaginal disc, the precursor of Johnston's organ. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes were also detected in the adult antennae of environmentally challenged flies. The ultrastructure of the antennae suggests the presence of abundant mitochondria in the scolopidia of control. Fewer amounts of mitochondria are found in the environmentally challenged adult antennae. In adults, various hearing-related behaviors were analyzed as a readout of functionality of the hearing organ. Analysis of climbing, aggressive, and courtship behaviors suggests abnormal behavior in environmentally challenged flies than the control. The current study suggests that the environmental cues can alter hearing-related behaviors in Drosophila. The methods used in this study can be used to monitor the environmental pollution or to study the effect of alteration of noise, pressure, and circadian rhythm on hearing-related behaviors taking Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyanaseni Dhar
- Department of Life Science, Neural Developmental Biology Lab, NIT Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Janmejaya Bag
- Department of Life Science, Neural Developmental Biology Lab, NIT Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Monalisa Mishra
- Department of Life Science, Neural Developmental Biology Lab, NIT Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
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29
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Ahmed OM, Avila-Herrera A, Tun KM, Serpa PH, Peng J, Parthasarathy S, Knapp JM, Stern DL, Davis GW, Pollard KS, Shah NM. Evolution of Mechanisms that Control Mating in Drosophila Males. Cell Rep 2020; 27:2527-2536.e4. [PMID: 31141679 PMCID: PMC6646047 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically wired neural mechanisms inhibit mating between species
because even naive animals rarely mate with other species. These mechanisms can
evolve through changes in expression or function of key genes in sensory
pathways or central circuits. Gr32a is a gustatory chemoreceptor that, in
D. melanogaster, is essential to inhibit interspecies
courtship and sense quinine. Similar to D. melanogaster, we
find that D. simulans Gr32a is expressed in foreleg tarsi,
sensorimotor appendages that inhibit interspecies courtship, and it is required
to sense quinine. Nevertheless, Gr32a is not required to inhibit interspecies
mating by D. simulans males. However, and similar to its
function in D. melanogaster, Ppk25, a member of the Pickpocket
family, promotes conspecific courtship in D. simulans.
Together, we have identified distinct evolutionary mechanisms underlying
chemosensory control of taste and courtship in closely related
Drosophila species. Mechanisms that inhibit interspecies mating are critical to reproductive
isolation of species. Ahmed et al. show that Gr32a, a chemoreceptor that
inhibits interspecies courtship by D. melanogaster males, does
not inhibit this behavior in the closely related D. simulans,
indicating rapid evolution of peripheral sensory mechanisms that preclude
interspecies breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama M Ahmed
- Program in Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Aram Avila-Herrera
- Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Computation Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Khin May Tun
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Paula H Serpa
- Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Justin Peng
- Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Srinivas Parthasarathy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; L.E.K. Consulting, 75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, USA
| | - Jon-Michael Knapp
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Janelia Research Campus, HHMI Ashburn, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - David L Stern
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI Ashburn, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Katherine S Pollard
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nirao M Shah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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30
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Salazar JL, Yang SA, Yamamoto S. Post-Developmental Roles of Notch Signaling in the Nervous System. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10070985. [PMID: 32630239 PMCID: PMC7408554 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery in Drosophila, the Notch signaling pathway has been studied in numerous developmental contexts in diverse multicellular organisms. The role of Notch signaling in nervous system development has been extensively investigated by numerous scientists, partially because many of the core Notch signaling components were initially identified through their dramatic ‘neurogenic’ phenotype of developing fruit fly embryos. Components of the Notch signaling pathway continue to be expressed in mature neurons and glia cells, which is suggestive of a role in the post-developmental nervous system. The Notch pathway has been, so far, implicated in learning and memory, social behavior, addiction, and other complex behaviors using genetic model organisms including Drosophila and mice. Additionally, Notch signaling has been shown to play a modulatory role in several neurodegenerative disease model animals and in mediating neural toxicity of several environmental factors. In this paper, we summarize the knowledge pertaining to the post-developmental roles of Notch signaling in the nervous system with a focus on discoveries made using the fruit fly as a model system as well as relevant studies in C elegans, mouse, rat, and cellular models. Since components of this pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders in human, understanding the role of Notch signaling in the mature brain using model organisms will likely provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Salazar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.L.S.); (S.-A.Y.)
| | - Sheng-An Yang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.L.S.); (S.-A.Y.)
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.L.S.); (S.-A.Y.)
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-832-824-8119
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31
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Abstract
A mature virgin female fruit fly will initially resist copulation, while she assesses the desirability of her suitor. A new study identifies a neural circuit that controls rejection and shows how it changes from rejection to acceptance and copulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Dauwalder
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
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32
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Northcutt AJ, Schulz DJ. Molecular mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity in central pattern generator networks. Dev Neurobiol 2019; 80:58-69. [PMID: 31778295 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Central pattern generator (CPG) networks rely on a balance of intrinsic and network properties to produce reliable, repeatable activity patterns. This balance is maintained by homeostatic plasticity where alterations in neuronal properties dynamically maintain appropriate neural output in the face of changing environmental conditions and perturbations. However, it remains unclear just how these neurons and networks can both monitor their ongoing activity and use this information to elicit homeostatic physiological responses to ensure robustness of output over time. Evidence exists that CPG networks use a mixed strategy of activity-dependent, activity-independent, modulator-dependent, and synaptically regulated homeostatic plasticity to achieve this critical stability. In this review, we focus on some of the current understanding of the molecular pathways and mechanisms responsible for this homeostatic plasticity in the context of central pattern generator function, with a special emphasis on some of the smaller invertebrate networks that have allowed for extensive cellular-level analyses that have brought recent insights to these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Northcutt
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - David J Schulz
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
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33
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Jain K, Berman GJ. Opening the black box of social behavior. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:1947-1948. [PMID: 31768055 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kanishk Jain
- Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gordon J Berman
- Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. .,Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. .,Initiative in the Theory and Modeling of Living Systems, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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34
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Leitner N, Ben-Shahar Y. The neurogenetics of sexually dimorphic behaviors from a postdevelopmental perspective. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12623. [PMID: 31674725 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Most sexually reproducing animal species are characterized by two morphologically and behaviorally distinct sexes. The genetic, molecular and cellular processes that produce sexual dimorphisms are phylogenetically diverse, though in most cases they are thought to occur early in development. In some species, however, sexual dimorphisms are manifested after development is complete, suggesting the intriguing hypothesis that sex, more generally, might be considered a continuous trait that is influenced by both developmental and postdevelopmental processes. Here, we explore how biological sex is defined at the genetic, neuronal and behavioral levels, its effects on neuronal development and function, and how it might lead to sexually dimorphic behavioral traits in health and disease. We also propose a unifying framework for understanding neuronal and behavioral sexual dimorphisms in the context of both developmental and postdevelopmental, physiological timescales. Together, these two temporally separate processes might drive sex-specific neuronal functions in sexually mature adults, particularly as it pertains to behavior in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Leitner
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yehuda Ben-Shahar
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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35
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Chen AL, Chen CC, Katoh T, Katoh TK, Watada M, Toda MJ, Ritchie MG, Wen SY. Evolution and diversity of the courtship repertoire in the Drosophila montium species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae). J Evol Biol 2019; 32:1124-1140. [PMID: 31386239 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Changes in elements of courtship behaviour can influence sexual isolation between species. Large-scale analyses of changes, including loss and gain of courtship elements, across a relatively complete phylogenetic group are rare but needed to understand the significance of such changes, for example whether the gain and loss of courtship elements are essentially arbitrary or equally reversible. In most species of Drosophila, courtship, including singing, mainly occurs before mounting as premounting courtship. The Drosophila montium species group is unusual because loss of premounting courtship and gain of post-mounting one has been detected in this group. Here, we provide an extensive analysis on the courtship repertoire and songs of 42 species in this group. Synchronously captured video and audio recordings were analysed to describe courtship patterns and male courtship songs, and changes were analysed in a phylogenetic context. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that a gain of post-mounting courtship singing at the ancestor of this species group has been accompanied by a concurrent decrease in the incidence of premounting courtship singing and has led to subsequent further decrease and eventually complete loss of premounting courtship song in several lineages. Alongside this evolutionary trend towards post-mounting courtship, sine song and a special type of "high pulse repetition song" have become more widely used for courtship during species diversification in the montium group. It is likely that the elaboration of post-mounting courtship behaviours is associated with changes in the relative importance of pre- and post-mounting components of mating systems, such as sperm competition or cryptic female choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Li Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Cheng Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Toru Katoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takehiro K Katoh
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Watada
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masanori J Toda
- The Hokkaido University Museum, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Shuo-Yang Wen
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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36
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Kacsoh BZ, Bozler J, Hodge S, Bosco G. Neural circuitry of social learning in Drosophila requires multiple inputs to facilitate inter-species communication. Commun Biol 2019; 2:309. [PMID: 31428697 PMCID: PMC6692349 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila species communicate the threat of parasitoid wasps to naïve individuals. Communication of the threat between closely related species is efficient, while more distantly related species exhibit a dampened, partial communication. Partial communication between D. melanogaster and D. ananassae about wasp presence is enhanced following a period of cohabitation, suggesting that species-specific natural variations in communication 'dialects' can be learned through socialization. In this study, we identify six regions of the Drosophila brain essential for dialect training. We pinpoint subgroups of neurons in these regions, including motion detecting neurons in the optic lobe, layer 5 of the fan-shaped body, the D glomerulus in the antennal lobe, and the odorant receptor Or69a, where activation of each component is necessary for dialect learning. These results reveal functional neural circuits that underlie complex Drosophila social behaviors, and these circuits are required for integration several cue inputs involving multiple regions of the Drosophila brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balint Z. Kacsoh
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - Julianna Bozler
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - Sassan Hodge
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - Giovanni Bosco
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
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37
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Liu W, Ganguly A, Huang J, Wang Y, Ni JD, Gurav AS, Aguilar MA, Montell C. Neuropeptide F regulates courtship in Drosophila through a male-specific neuronal circuit. eLife 2019; 8:e49574. [PMID: 31403399 PMCID: PMC6721794 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Male courtship is provoked by perception of a potential mate. In addition, the likelihood and intensity of courtship are influenced by recent mating experience, which affects sexual drive. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we found that the homolog of mammalian neuropeptide Y, neuropeptide F (NPF), and a cluster of male-specific NPF (NPFM) neurons, regulate courtship through affecting courtship drive. Disrupting NPF signaling produces sexually hyperactive males, which are resistant to sexual satiation, and whose courtship is triggered by sub-optimal stimuli. We found that NPFM neurons make synaptic connections with P1 neurons, which comprise the courtship decision center. Activation of P1 neurons elevates NPFM neuronal activity, which then act through NPF receptor neurons to suppress male courtship, and maintain the proper level of male courtship drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Anindya Ganguly
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Jia Huang
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yijin Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Jinfei D Ni
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Adishthi S Gurav
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Morris A Aguilar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
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38
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Sato K, Ahsan MT, Ote M, Koganezawa M, Yamamoto D. Calmodulin-binding transcription factor shapes the male courtship song in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008309. [PMID: 31344027 PMCID: PMC6690551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Males of the Drosophila melanogaster mutant croaker (cro) generate a polycyclic pulse song dissimilar to the monocyclic songs typical of wild-type males during courtship. However, cro has not been molecularly mapped to any gene in the genome. We demonstrate that cro is a mutation in the gene encoding the Calmodulin-binding transcription factor (Camta) by genetic complementation tests with chromosomal deficiencies, molecular cloning of genomic fragments that flank the cro-mutagenic P-insertion, and phenotypic rescue of the cro mutant phenotype by Camta+-encoding cDNA as well as a BAC clone containing the gene for Camta. We further show that knockdown of the Camta-encoding gene phenocopies cro mutant songs when targeted to a subset of fruitless-positive neurons that include the mcALa and AL1 clusters in the brain. cro-GAL4 and an anti-Camta antibody labeled a large number of brain neurons including mcALa. We conclude that the Camta-encoding gene represents the cro locus, which has been implicated in a species-specific difference in courtship songs between D. sechellia and simulans. Selecting a suitable mate is a prerequisite for successful breeding in organisms. Indeed, the animals instinctively distinguish a conspecific partner from individuals of other species, yet the mechanism underlying such species-recognition remains largely unknown. In choosing a conspecific male as a mate, fruit fly females rely on a male-derived auditory signal, love song, which is generated by a series of unilateral wing vibration by the male. We study how the males produce love song that is unique to the species. We particularly focus on croaker (cro) mutants, whose males generate distorted love song. Our molecular analysis reveals that the cro mutation inhibits expression of the gene encoding a protein called Calmodulin-binding transcription factor (Camta) and that an introduction of the Camta-encoding DNA into the genome of cro mutants allows the mutant male to sing a normal song. Therefore, the Camta protein is an essential component for love song generation by males. We further show that knockdown of Camta only in tens of specific neurons in the brain is sufficient for inducing the cro mutant phenotype. This study paves the way for unraveling the mechanistic basis for female-male communications in conspecific mating.
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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
| | - Md. Tanveer Ahsan
- Division of Neurogenetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Manabu Ote
- Division of Neurogenetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayuki Koganezawa
- 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
- * E-mail:
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39
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Recent advances in neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila, from genes to physiology and behavior. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 179:101607. [PMID: 30905728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on neuropeptides and peptide hormones, the largest and most diverse class of neuroactive substances, known in Drosophila and other animals to play roles in almost all aspects of daily life, as w;1;ell as in developmental processes. We provide an update on novel neuropeptides and receptors identified in the last decade, and highlight progress in analysis of neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila. Especially exciting is the huge amount of work published on novel functions of neuropeptides and peptide hormones in Drosophila, largely due to the rapid developments of powerful genetic methods, imaging techniques and innovative assays. We critically discuss the roles of peptides in olfaction, taste, foraging, feeding, clock function/sleep, aggression, mating/reproduction, learning and other behaviors, as well as in regulation of development, growth, metabolic and water homeostasis, stress responses, fecundity, and lifespan. We furthermore provide novel information on neuropeptide distribution and organization of peptidergic systems, as well as the phylogenetic relations between Drosophila neuropeptides and those of other phyla, including mammals. As will be shown, neuropeptide signaling is phylogenetically ancient, and not only are the structures of the peptides, precursors and receptors conserved over evolution, but also many functions of neuropeptide signaling in physiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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40
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Activity-dependent visualization and control of neural circuits for courtship behavior in the fly Drosophila melanogaster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:5715-5720. [PMID: 30837311 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814628116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Males of Drosophila melanogaster exhibit stereotypic courtship behavior through which they assess potential mates by processing multimodal sensory information. Although previous studies revealed important neural circuits involved in this process, the full picture of circuits that participate in male courtship remains elusive. Here, we established a genetic tool to visualize or optogenetically reactivate neural circuits activated upon specific behavior, exploiting promoter activity of a neural activity-induced gene Hr38 With this approach, we visualized neural circuits activated in the male brain and the ventral nerve cord when a male interacted with a female. The labeling of neural circuits was additively dependent on inputs from antennae and foreleg tarsi. In addition, neural circuits that express the sex-determining gene fruitless or doublesex were extensively labeled by interaction with a female. Furthermore, optogenetic reactivation of the labeled neural circuits induced courtship posture. With this mapping system, we found that a fruitless-positive neural cluster aSP2 was labeled when a male interacted with a female, in addition to previously characterized neurons. Silencing of neurons including aSP2 led to frequent interruption of courtship and significant reduction of mating success rate without affecting latency to start courtship, suggesting that these neurons are required for courtship persistency important for successful copulation. Overall, these results demonstrate that activity-dependent labeling can be used as a powerful tool not only in vertebrates, but also in invertebrates, to identify neural circuits regulating innate behavior.
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41
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The Role of miRNAs in Drosophila melanogaster Male Courtship Behavior. Genetics 2019; 211:925-942. [PMID: 30683757 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster courtship, although stereotypical, continually changes based on cues received from the courtship subject. Such adaptive responses are mediated via rapid and widespread transcriptomic reprogramming, a characteristic now widely attributed to microRNAs (miRNAs), along with other players. Here, we conducted a large-scale miRNA knockout screen to identify miRNAs that affect various parameters of male courtship behavior. Apart from identifying miRNAs that impact male-female courtship, we observed that miR-957 mutants performed significantly increased male-male courtship and "chaining" behavior, whereby groups of males court one another. We tested the effect of miR-957 reduction in specific neuronal cell clusters, identifying miR-957 activity in Doublesex (DSX)-expressing and mushroom body clusters as an important regulator of male-male courtship interactions. We further characterized the behavior of miR-957 mutants and found that these males court male subjects vigorously, but do not elicit courtship. Moreover, they fail to lower courtship efforts toward females with higher levels of antiaphrodisiac pheromones. At the level of individual pheromones, miR-957 males show a reduced inhibitory response to both 7-Tricosene (7-T) and cis-vaccenyl acetate, with the effect being more pronounced in the case of 7-T. Overall, our results indicate that a single miRNA can contribute to the regulation of complex behaviors, including detection or processing of chemicals that control important survival strategies such as chemical mate-guarding, and the maintenance of sex- and species-specific courtship barriers.
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42
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Partial proteasomal degradation of Lola triggers the male-to-female switch of a dimorphic courtship circuit. Nat Commun 2019; 10:166. [PMID: 30635583 PMCID: PMC6329818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08146-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila, some neurons develop sex-specific neurites that contribute to dimorphic circuits for sex-specific behavior. As opposed to the idea that the sexual dichotomy in transcriptional profiles produced by a sex-specific factor underlies such sex differences, we discovered that the sex-specific cleavage confers the activity as a sexual-fate inducer on the pleiotropic transcription factor Longitudinals lacking (Lola). Surprisingly, Fruitless, another transcription factor with a master regulator role for courtship circuitry formation, directly binds to Lola to protect its cleavage in males. We also show that Lola cleavage involves E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin1 and 26S proteasome. Our work adds a new dimension to the study of sex-specific behavior and its circuit basis by unveiling a mechanistic link between proteolysis and the sexually dimorphic patterning of circuits. Our findings may also provide new insights into potential causes of the sex-biased incidence of some neuropsychiatric diseases and inspire novel therapeutic approaches to such disorders. It is unclear how some Drosophila neurons develop sex-specific neurites that contribute to dimorphic circuitries required for gendered behavior. The authors show that sex-specific cleavage by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin1 and 26S proteasome of the pleiotropic BTB-ZF transcription factor Lola confers its sexual fate-inducing ability in these neurons.
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43
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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: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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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44
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Millington JW, Rideout EJ. Sex differences in Drosophila development and physiology. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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45
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Imaging neural activity in the ventral nerve cord of behaving adult Drosophila. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4390. [PMID: 30348941 PMCID: PMC6197219 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand neural circuits that control limbs, one must measure their activity during behavior. Until now this goal has been challenging, because limb premotor and motor circuits have been largely inaccessible for large-scale recordings in intact, moving animals—a constraint that is true for both vertebrate and invertebrate models. Here, we introduce a method for 2-photon functional imaging from the ventral nerve cord (VNC) of behaving adult Drosophila melanogaster. We use this method to reveal patterns of activity across nerve cord populations during grooming and walking and to uncover the functional encoding of moonwalker ascending neurons (MANs), moonwalker descending neurons (MDNs), and a previously uncharacterized class of locomotion-associated A1 descending neurons. Finally, we develop a genetic reagent to destroy the indirect flight muscles and to facilitate experimental access to the VNC. Taken together, these approaches enable the direct investigation of circuits associated with complex limb movements. The Drosophila ventral nerve cord (VNC) is functionally equivalent to the vertebrate spinal cord. This study reports a 2-photon imaging approach for recording neural activity in the VNC of walking and grooming adult flies.
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46
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Zheng Z, Lauritzen JS, Perlman E, Robinson CG, Nichols M, Milkie D, Torrens O, Price J, Fisher CB, Sharifi N, Calle-Schuler SA, Kmecova L, Ali IJ, Karsh B, Trautman ET, Bogovic JA, Hanslovsky P, Jefferis GSXE, Kazhdan M, Khairy K, Saalfeld S, Fetter RD, Bock DD. A Complete Electron Microscopy Volume of the Brain of Adult Drosophila melanogaster. Cell 2018; 174:730-743.e22. [PMID: 30033368 PMCID: PMC6063995 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has a rich repertoire of innate and learned behaviors. Its 100,000-neuron brain is a large but tractable target for comprehensive neural circuit mapping. Only electron microscopy (EM) enables complete, unbiased mapping of synaptic connectivity; however, the fly brain is too large for conventional EM. We developed a custom high-throughput EM platform and imaged the entire brain of an adult female fly at synaptic resolution. To validate the dataset, we traced brain-spanning circuitry involving the mushroom body (MB), which has been extensively studied for its role in learning. All inputs to Kenyon cells (KCs), the intrinsic neurons of the MB, were mapped, revealing a previously unknown cell type, postsynaptic partners of KC dendrites, and unexpected clustering of olfactory projection neurons. These reconstructions show that this freely available EM volume supports mapping of brain-spanning circuits, which will significantly accelerate Drosophila neuroscience. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Zheng
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - J Scott Lauritzen
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Eric Perlman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Camenzind G Robinson
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Matthew Nichols
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | | | - Omar Torrens
- Coleman Technologies, Newtown Square, PA 19073, USA
| | - John Price
- Hudson Price Designs, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
| | - Corey B Fisher
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Nadiya Sharifi
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | | | - Lucia Kmecova
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Iqbal J Ali
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Bill Karsh
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Eric T Trautman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - John A Bogovic
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Philipp Hanslovsky
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Gregory S X E Jefferis
- Division of Neurobiology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Michael Kazhdan
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Khaled Khairy
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Stephan Saalfeld
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Richard D Fetter
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Davi D Bock
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
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47
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Jois S, Chan YB, Fernandez MP, Leung AKW. Characterization of the Sexually Dimorphic fruitless Neurons That Regulate Copulation Duration. Front Physiol 2018; 9:780. [PMID: 29988589 PMCID: PMC6026680 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male courtship in Drosophila melanogaster is a sexually dimorphic innate behavior that is hardwired in the nervous system. Understanding the neural mechanism of courtship behavior requires the anatomical and functional characterization of all the neurons involved. Courtship involves a series of distinctive behavioral patterns, culminating in the final copulation step, where sperms from the male are transferred to the female. The duration of this process is tightly controlled by multiple genes. The fruitless (fru) gene is one of the factors that regulate the duration of copulation. Using several intersectional genetic combinations to restrict the labeling of GAL4 lines, we found that a subset of a serotonergic cluster of fru neurons co-express the dopamine-synthesizing enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase, and provide behavioral and immunological evidence that these neurons are involved in the regulation of copulation duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas Jois
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Yick Bun Chan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maria Paz Fernandez
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Adelaine Kwun-Wai Leung
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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48
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Deciphering Drosophila female innate behaviors. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 52:139-148. [PMID: 29940518 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Innate responses are often sexually dimorphic. Studies of female specific behaviors have remained niche, but the focus is changing as illustrated by the recent progress in understanding the female courtship responses and egg-laying decisions. In this review, we will cover our current knowledge about female behaviors in these two specific contexts. Recent studies elucidate on how females process the courtship song. They also show that egg-laying decisions are extremely complex, requiring the assessment of food, microbial, predator and social cues. Study of female responses will improve our understanding of how a nervous system processes different challenges.
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49
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Zhang B, Sato K, Yamamoto D. Ecdysone signaling regulates specification of neurons with a male-specific neurite in Drosophila. Biol Open 2018; 7:7/2/bio029744. [PMID: 29463514 PMCID: PMC5861360 DOI: 10.1242/bio.029744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Some mAL neurons in the male brain form the ipsilateral neurite (ILN[+]) in a manner dependent on FruBM, a male-specific transcription factor. FruBM represses robo1 transcription, allowing the ILN to form. We found that the proportion of ILN[+]-mALs in all observed single cell clones dropped from ∼90% to ∼30% by changing the heat-shock timing for clone induction from 4-5 days after egg laying (AEL) to 6-7 days AEL, suggesting that the ILN[+]-mALs are produced predominantly by young neuroblasts. Upon EcR-A knockdown, ILN[+]-mALs were produced at a high rate (∼60%), even when heat shocked at 6-7 days AEL, yet EcR-B1 knockdown reduced the proportion of ILN[+]-mALs to ∼30%. Immunoprecipitation assays in S2 cells demonstrated that EcR-A and EcR-B1 form a complex with FruBM. robo1 reporter transcription was repressed by FruBM and ecdysone counteracted FruBM. We suggest that ecdysone signaling modulates the FruBM action to produce an appropriate number of male-type neurons. Summary: The insect molting hormone ecdysone determines whether a single neuron develops a sex-specific structure, through crosstalk with signaling elements in a pathway dedicated to the sex-fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binglong Zhang
- Division of Neurogenetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kosei Sato
- Division of Neurogenetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamamoto
- Division of Neurogenetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
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50
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Sayin S, Boehm AC, Kobler JM, De Backer JF, Grunwald Kadow IC. Internal State Dependent Odor Processing and Perception-The Role of Neuromodulation in the Fly Olfactory System. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:11. [PMID: 29440990 PMCID: PMC5797598 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals rely heavily on their sense of olfaction to perform various vital interactions with an ever-in-flux environment. The turbulent and combinatorial nature of air-borne odorant cues demands the employment of various coding strategies, which allow the animal to attune to its internal needs and past or present experiences. Furthermore, these internal needs can be dependent on internal states such as hunger, reproductive state and sickness. Neuromodulation is a key component providing flexibility under such conditions. Understanding the contributions of neuromodulation, such as sensory neuron sensitization and choice bias requires manipulation of neuronal activity on a local and global scale. With Drosophila's genetic toolset, these manipulations are feasible and even allow a detailed look on the functional role of classical neuromodulators such as dopamine, octopamine and neuropeptides. The past years unraveled various mechanisms adapting chemosensory processing and perception to internal states such as hunger and reproductive state. However, future research should also investigate the mechanisms underlying other internal states including the modulatory influence of endogenous microbiota on Drosophila behavior. Furthermore, sickness induced by pathogenic infection could lead to novel insights as to the neuromodulators of circuits that integrate such a negative postingestive signal within the circuits governing olfactory behavior and learning. The enriched emporium of tools Drosophila provides will help to build a concrete picture of the influence of neuromodulation on olfaction and metabolism, adaptive behavior and our overall understanding of how a brain works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sercan Sayin
- Neural Circuits and Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ariane C Boehm
- Neural Circuits and Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Chemosensory Coding, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Johanna M Kobler
- Neural Circuits and Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Chemosensory Coding, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jean-François De Backer
- Neural Circuits and Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ilona C Grunwald Kadow
- Neural Circuits and Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Chemosensory Coding, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
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