1
|
Liu YY, Wang RJ, Ru SS, Gao F, Liu W, Zhang X. Comparative analysis of phosphorylated proteomes between plerocercoid and adult Spirometra mansoni reveals phosphoproteomic profiles of the medical tapeworm. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:371. [PMID: 39217359 PMCID: PMC11366163 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plerocercoid larvae of the tapeworm Spirometra mansoni can infect both humans and animals, leading to severe parasitic zoonosis worldwide. Despite ongoing research efforts, our understanding of the developmental process of S. mansoni remains inadequate. To better characterize posttranslational regulation associated with parasite growth, development, and reproduction, a comparative phosphoproteomic study was conducted on the plerocercoid and adult stages of S. mansoni. METHODS In this study, site-specific phosphoproteomic analysis was conducted via 4D label-free quantitative analysis technology to obtain primary information about the overall phosphorylation status of plerocercoids and adults. RESULTS A total of 778 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were detected between adults and plerocercoids, of which 704 DAPs were upregulated and only 74 were downregulated. DAPs involved in metabolic activity were upregulated in plerocercoid larvae compared with adults, whereas DAPs associated with binding were upregulated in adults. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) analyses indicated that most DAPs involved in signal transduction and environmental information processing pathways were highly active in adults. DAPs upregulated in the plerocercoid group were enriched mainly in metabolic activities. The kinases PKACA, GSK3B, and smMLCK closely interact, suggesting potential active roles in the growth and development of S. mansoni. CONCLUSIONS The dataset presented in this study offers a valuable resource for forthcoming research on signaling pathways as well as new insights into functional studies on the molecular mechanisms of S. mansoni.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yan Liu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The People's Hospital of Xixian, Xinyang, 464300, Henan, China
| | - Rui Jie Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Si Si Ru
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Morammazi S, Shokrollahi B, Hassan FU. Genomic characterization, phylogenetic and expression analysis of foraging gene in Apis mellifera. Gene 2024; 910:148318. [PMID: 38408615 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The genomic characterization of the foraging gene and its expression analysis are required to better understand the behavior of honey bees (Apis mellifera). The present study performed a genome-wide characterization of the foraging gene, analyzing its physicochemical properties, phylogenetic features, and expression. An in silico analysis was carried out to characterize the foraging gene and the motifs and conserved domains of the encoded protein to predict its physicochemical properties. Moreover, a phylogenetic analysis of the foraging gene was performed in different species using MEGAX. The relative expression of the foraging gene was determined using qRT-PCR in two groups of forager bee samples (incoming and outgoing bees) during two seasons (five times per day). In addition, the queen effect was evaluated in another experiment. The results revealed that foraging gene expression and bee traffic were influenced by the interaction of season and daytime. The daily foraging traffic and transcription level of the foraging gene were the same in both seasons. The traffic of bees and the transcription abundance of the foraging gene were the highest in the middle and at the end of the day in the first and second seasons, respectively. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of the foraging gene was relatively higher in incoming bees than in outgoing bees. The queen also had a significant effect on the outgoing bees. We conclude that gene-environment interactions affect the foraging behavior of bees through the modulation of the foraging gene transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salim Morammazi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Iran.
| | - Borhan Shokrollahi
- Hanwoo Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, Pyeongchang-gun 25340, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Science, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Faiz-Ul Hassan
- Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lucon-Xiccato T, Montalbano G, Bertolucci C. Adaptive phenotypic plasticity induces individual variability along a cognitive trade-off. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230350. [PMID: 37357854 PMCID: PMC10291716 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0350] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal species, including humans, display patterns of individual variability in cognition that are difficult to explain. For instance, some individuals perform well in certain cognitive tasks but show difficulties in others. We experimentally analysed the contribution of cognitive plasticity to such variability. Theory suggests that diametrically opposed cognitive phenotypes increase individuals' fitness in environments with different conditions such as resource predictability. Therefore, if selection has generated plasticity that matches individuals' cognitive phenotypes to the environment, this might produce remarkable cognitive variability. We found that guppies, Poecilia reticulata, exposed to an environment with high resource predictability (i.e. food available at the same time and in the same location) developed enhanced learning abilities. Conversely, guppies exposed to an environment with low resource predictability (i.e. food available at a random time and location) developed enhanced cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. These cognitive differences align along a trade-off between functions that favour the acquisition of regularities such as learning and functions that adjust behaviour to changing conditions (cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control). Therefore, adaptive cognitive plasticity in response to resource predictability (and potentially similar factors) is a key determinant of cognitive individual differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Montalbano
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Roberts RJV, Pop S, Prieto-Godino LL. Evolution of central neural circuits: state of the art and perspectives. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:725-743. [DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00644-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
6
|
Xu H, Yu Y, Gao Y, Hassan A, Jia B, Huang Q. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase gene can regulate trail-following behaviour and locomotion in the termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:585-592. [PMID: 35506165 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Social behaviours in termites are closely related to the chemical communication between individuals. It is well known that foraging worker termites can use trail pheromones to orient and locomote along trails so as to take food resources back to the nest. However, it is still unclear how termites recognize trail pheromones. Here, we cloned and sequenced the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) gene from the termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder, and then examined the response of termites to trail pheromones after silencing PKG through RNA interference. We found that PKG knockdown impaired termite ability to follow trail pheromones accurately and exhibited irregular behavioural trajectories in response to the trail pheromone in the termite R. chinensis. Our locomotion assays further showed that PKG knockdown significantly increased the turn angle and angular velocity in the termite R. chinensis. These findings help us better understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of foraging communications in termites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yichun Yu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yongyong Gao
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ali Hassan
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bao Jia
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Nanning Institute of Termite Control, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiuying Huang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Genes Responsible for H2S Production and Metabolism Are Involved in Learning and Memory in Drosophila melanogaster. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060751. [PMID: 35740876 PMCID: PMC9221306 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced by the transsulfuration pathway (TSP) is an important biological mediator, involved in many physiological and pathological processes in multiple higher organisms, including humans. Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) enzymes play a central role in H2S production and metabolism. Here, we investigated the role of H2S in learning and memory processes by exploring several Drosophila melanogaster strains with single and double deletions of CBS and CSE developed by the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. We monitored the learning and memory parameters of these strains using the mating rejection courtship paradigm and demonstrated that the deletion of the CBS gene, which is expressed predominantly in the central nervous system, and double deletions completely block short- and long-term memory formation in fruit flies. On the other hand, the flies with CSE deletion preserve short- and long-term memory but fail to exhibit long-term memory retention. Transcriptome profiling of the heads of the males from the strains with deletions in Gene Ontology terms revealed a strong down-regulation of many genes involved in learning and memory, reproductive behavior, cognition, and the oxidation–reduction process in all strains with CBS deletion, indicating an important role of the hydrogen sulfide production in these vital processes.
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen M, Sokolowski MB. How Social Experience and Environment Impacts Behavioural Plasticity in Drosophila. Fly (Austin) 2021; 16:68-84. [PMID: 34852730 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2021.1989248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism's behaviour is influenced by its social environment. Experiences such as social isolation or crowding may have profound short or long-term effects on an individual's behaviour. The composition of the social environment also depends on the genetics and previous experiences of the individuals present, leading to additional potential outcomes from each social interaction. In this article, we review selected literature related to the social environment of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, and how Drosophila respond to variation in their social experiences throughout their lifetimes. We focus on the effects of social environment on behavioural phenotypes such as courtship, aggression, and group dynamics, as well as other phenotypes such as development and physiology. The consequences of phenotypic plasticity due to social environment are discussed with respect to the ecology and evolution of Drosophila. We also relate these studies to laboratory research practices involving Drosophila and other animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Chen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Current Affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dason JS, Anreiter I, Wu CF. Transcending boundaries: from quantitative genetics to single genes. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:95-98. [PMID: 34544325 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1960519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Dason
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - Ina Anreiter
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chun-Fang Wu
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oepen AS, Catalano JL, Azanchi R, Kaun KR. The foraging gene affects alcohol sensitivity, metabolism and memory in Drosophila. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:236-248. [PMID: 34092172 PMCID: PMC9215342 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1931178] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The genetic basis of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is complex. Understanding how natural genetic variation contributes to alcohol phenotypes can help us identify and understand the genetic basis of AUD. Recently, a single nucleotide polymorphism in the human foraging (for) gene ortholog, Protein Kinase cGMP-Dependent 1 (PRKG1), was found to be associated with stress-induced risk for alcohol abuse. However, the mechanistic role that PRKG1 plays in AUD is not well understood. We use natural variation in the Drosophila for gene to describe how variation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity modifies ethanol-induced phenotypes. We found that variation in for affects ethanol-induced increases in locomotion and memory of the appetitive properties of ethanol intoxication. Further, these differences may stem from the ability to metabolize ethanol. Together, this data suggests that natural variation in PKG modulates cue reactivity for alcohol, and thus could influence alcohol cravings by differentially modulating metabolic and behavioral sensitivities to alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne S. Oepen
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence,
RI, USA
- Masters Program in Developmental, Neuronal and Behavioral
Biology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jamie L. Catalano
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence,
RI, USA
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Graduate Program,
Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Reza Azanchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence,
RI, USA
| | - Karla R. Kaun
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence,
RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Allen AM, B Sokolowski M. Expression of the foraging gene in adult Drosophila melanogaster. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:192-212. [PMID: 34382904 PMCID: PMC8846931 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1941946] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The foraging gene in Drosophila melanogaster, which encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase, is a highly conserved, complex gene with multiple pleiotropic behavioral and physiological functions in both the larval and adult fly. Adult foraging expression is less well characterized than in the larva. We characterized foraging expression in the brain, gastric system, and reproductive systems using a T2A-Gal4 gene-trap allele. In the brain, foraging expression appears to be restricted to multiple sub-types of glia. This glial-specific cellular localization of foraging was supported by single-cell transcriptomic atlases of the adult brain. foraging is extensively expressed in most cell types in the gastric and reproductive systems. We then mapped multiple cis-regulatory elements responsible for parts of the observed expression patterns by a nested cloned promoter-Gal4 analysis. The mapped cis-regulatory elements were consistently modular when comparing the larval and adult expression patterns. These new data using the T2A-Gal4 gene-trap and cloned foraging promoter fusion GAL4's are discussed with respect to previous work using an anti-FOR antibody, which we show here to be non-specific. Future studies of foraging's function will consider roles for glial subtypes and peripheral tissues (gastric and reproductive systems) in foraging's pleiotropic behavioral and physiological effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Allen
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lucas C, Ben-Shahar Y. The foraging gene as a modulator of division of labour in social insects. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:168-178. [PMID: 34151702 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1940173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The social ants, bees, wasps, and termites include some of the most ecologically-successful groups of animal species. Their dominance in most terrestrial environments is attributed to their social lifestyle, which enable their colonies to exploit environmental resources with remarkable efficiency. One key attribute of social insect colonies is the division of labour that emerges among the sterile workers, which represent the majority of colony members. Studies of the mechanisms that drive division of labour systems across diverse social species have provided fundamental insights into the developmental, physiological, molecular, and genomic processes that regulate sociality, and the possible genetic routes that may have led to its evolution from a solitary ancestor. Here we specifically discuss the conserved role of the foraging gene, which encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Originally identified as a behaviourally polymorphic gene that drives alternative foraging strategies in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, changes in foraging expression and kinase activity were later shown to play a key role in the division of labour in diverse social insect species as well. In particular, foraging appears to regulate worker transitions between behavioural tasks and specific behavioural traits associated with morphological castes. Although the specific neuroethological role of foraging in the insect brain remains mostly unknown, studies in genetically tractable insect species indicate that PKG signalling plays a conserved role in the neuronal plasticity of sensory, cognitive and motor functions, which underlie behaviours relevant to division of labour, including appetitive learning, aggression, stress response, phototaxis, and the response to pheromones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Lucas
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (UMR7261), CNRS - University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yehuda Ben-Shahar
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Reiss AP, Rankin CH. Gaining an understanding of behavioral genetics through studies of foraging in Drosophila and learning in C. elegans. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:119-131. [PMID: 34151727 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1928113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The pursuit of understanding behavior has led to investigations of how genes, the environment, and the nervous system all work together to produce and influence behavior, giving rise to a field of research known as behavioral neurogenetics. This review focuses on the research journeys of two pioneers of aspects of behavioral neurogenetic research: Dr. Marla Sokolowski and Dr. Catharine Rankin as examples of how different approaches have been used to understand relationships between genes and behavior. Marla Sokolowski's research is centered around the discovery and analysis of foraging, a gene responsible for the natural behavioral polymorphism of Drosophila melanogaster larvae foraging behavior. Catharine Rankin's work began with demonstrating the ability to learn in Caenorhabditis elegans and then setting out to investigate the mechanisms underlying the "simplest" form of learning, habituation. Using these simple invertebrate organisms both investigators were able to perform in-depth dissections of behavior at genetic and molecular levels. By exploring their research and highlighting their findings we present ways their work has furthered our understanding of behavior and contributed to the field of behavioral neurogenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Reiss
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Catharine H Rankin
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Greenspan RJ. Learning about quantitative genetics from Marla Sokolowski. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:110-111. [PMID: 34128769 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1940167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Marla Sokolowski is a true pioneer in behavioral genetics, having made the first molecular delineation of a naturally occurring behavioral polymorphism in her work on the foraging locus in Drosophila melanogaster. The gene was subsequently found to be responsible for behavioral variants and types in many other species, both invertebrate and mammal (human). The path to get there is a paradigmatic example of how to use the power of genetic analysis, including some rather esoteric techniques, to zero in on a gene and delineate its molecular identity and its pleiotropic roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J Greenspan
- Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alwash N, Allen AM, B Sokolowski M, Levine JD. The Drosophila melanogaster foraging gene affects social networks. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:249-261. [PMID: 34121597 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1936517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster displays social behaviors including courtship, mating, aggression, and group foraging. Recent studies employed social network analyses (SNAs) to show that D. melanogaster strains differ in their group behavior, suggesting that genes influence social network phenotypes. Aside from genes associated with sensory function, few studies address the genetic underpinnings of these networks. The foraging gene (for) is a well-established example of a pleiotropic gene that regulates multiple behavioral phenotypes and their plasticity. In D. melanogaster, there are two naturally occurring alleles of for called rover and sitter that differ in their larval and adult food-search behavior as well as other behavioral phenotypes. Here, we hypothesize that for affects behavioral elements required to form social networks and the social networks themselves. These effects are evident when we manipulate gene dosage. We found that flies of the rover and sitter strains exhibit differences in duration, frequency, and reciprocity of pairwise interactions, and they form social networks with differences in assortativity and global efficiency. Consistent with other adult phenotypes influenced by for, rover-sitter heterozygotes show intermediate patterns of dominance in many of these characteristics. Multiple generations of backcrossing a rover allele into a sitter strain showed that many but not all of these rover-sitter differences may be attributed to allelic variation at for. Our findings reveal the significant role that for plays in affecting social network properties and their behavioral elements in Drosophila melanogaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nawar Alwash
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron M Allen
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), MaRS Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joel D Levine
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), MaRS Centre, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dason JS, Sokolowski MB. A cGMP-dependent protein kinase, encoded by the Drosophila foraging gene, regulates neurotransmission through changes in synaptic structure and function. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:213-220. [PMID: 33998378 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1905639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) encoded by the Drosophila foraging (for) gene regulates both synaptic structure (nerve terminal growth) and function (neurotransmission) through independent mechanisms at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (nmj). Glial for is known to restrict nerve terminal growth, whereas presynaptic for inhibits synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis during low frequency stimulation. Presynaptic for also facilitates SV endocytosis during high frequency stimulation. for's effects on neurotransmission can occur independent of any changes in nerve terminal growth. However, it remains unclear if for's effects on neurotransmission affect nerve terminal growth. Furthermore, it's possible that for's effects on synaptic structure contribute to changes in neurotransmission. In the present study, we examined these questions using RNA interference to selectively knockdown for in presynaptic neurons or glia at the Drosophila larval nmj. Consistent with our previous findings, presynaptic knockdown of for impaired SV endocytosis, whereas knockdown of glial for had no effect on SV endocytosis. Surprisingly, we found that knockdown of either presynaptic or glial for increased neurotransmitter release in response to low frequency stimulation. Knockdown of presynaptic for did not affect nerve terminal growth, demonstrating that for's effects on neurotransmission does not alter nerve terminal growth. In contrast, knockdown of glial for enhanced nerve terminal growth. This enhanced nerve terminal growth was likely the cause of the enhanced neurotransmitter release seen following knockdown of glial for. Overall, we show that for can affect neurotransmitter release by regulating both synaptic structure and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Dason
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zatsepina OG, Nikitina EA, Shilova VY, Chuvakova LN, Sorokina S, Vorontsova JE, Tokmacheva EV, Funikov SY, Rezvykh AP, Evgen'ev MB. Hsp70 affects memory formation and behaviorally relevant gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster. Cell Stress Chaperones 2021; 26:575-594. [PMID: 33829398 PMCID: PMC8065088 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-021-01203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins, in particular Hsp70, play a central role in proteostasis in eukaryotic cells. Due to its chaperone properties, Hsp70 is involved in various processes after stress and under normal physiological conditions. In contrast to mammals and many Diptera species, inducible members of the Hsp70 family in Drosophila are constitutively synthesized at a low level and undergo dramatic induction after temperature elevation or other forms of stress. In the courtship suppression paradigm used in this study, Drosophila males that have been repeatedly rejected by mated females during courtship are less likely than naive males to court other females. Although numerous genes with known function were identified to play important roles in long-term memory, there is, to the best of our knowledge, no direct evidence implicating Hsp70 in this process. To elucidate a possible role of Hsp70 in memory formation, we used D. melanogaster strains containing different hsp70 copy numbers, including strains carrying a deletion of all six hsp70 genes. Our investigations exploring the memory of courtship rejection paradigm demonstrated that a low constitutive level of Hsp70 is apparently required for learning and the formation of short and long-term memories in males. The performed transcriptomic studies demonstrate that males with different hsp70 copy numbers differ significantly in the expression of a few definite groups of genes involved in mating, reproduction, and immunity in response to rejection. Specifically, our analysis reveals several major pathways that depend on the presence of hsp70 in the genome and participate in memory formation and consolidation, including the cAMP signaling cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O G Zatsepina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - E A Nikitina
- Department of Neurogenetics, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Human and Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Herzen State Pedagogical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V Y Shilova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - L N Chuvakova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - S Sorokina
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - J E Vorontsova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Tokmacheva
- Department of Neurogenetics, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - S Y Funikov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A P Rezvykh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - M B Evgen'ev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Merchant A, Song D, Yang X, Li X, Zhou X“J. Candidate
foraging
gene orthologs in a lower termite,
Reticulitermes flavipes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 334:168-177. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Austin Merchant
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of KentuckyLexington Kentucky
| | - Dongyan Song
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of KentuckyLexington Kentucky
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of KentuckyLexington Kentucky
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of KentuckyLexington Kentucky
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing China
| | - Xuguo “Joe” Zhou
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of KentuckyLexington Kentucky
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Boto T, Stahl A, Tomchik SM. Cellular and circuit mechanisms of olfactory associative learning in Drosophila. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:36-46. [PMID: 32043414 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1715971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed significant progress in understanding how memories are encoded, from the molecular to the cellular and the circuit/systems levels. With a good compromise between brain complexity and behavioral sophistication, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is one of the preeminent animal models of learning and memory. Here we review how memories are encoded in Drosophila, with a focus on short-term memory and an eye toward future directions. Forward genetic screens have revealed a large number of genes and transcripts necessary for learning and memory, some acting cell-autonomously. Further, the relative numerical simplicity of the fly brain has enabled the reverse engineering of learning circuits with remarkable precision, in some cases ascribing behavioral phenotypes to single neurons. Functional imaging and physiological studies have localized and parsed the plasticity that occurs during learning at some of the major loci. Connectomics projects are significantly expanding anatomical knowledge of the nervous system, filling out the roadmap for ongoing functional/physiological and behavioral studies, which are being accelerated by simultaneous tool development. These developments have provided unprecedented insight into the fundamental neural principles of learning, and lay the groundwork for deep understanding in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Boto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Aaron Stahl
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Williams-Simon PA, Ganesan M, King EG. Learning to collaborate: bringing together behavior and quantitative genomics. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:28-35. [PMID: 31920134 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2019.1710145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The genetic basis of complex trait like learning and memory have been well studied over the decades. Through those groundbreaking findings, we now have a better understanding about some of the genes and pathways that are involved in learning and/or memory. However, few of these findings identified the naturally segregating variants that are influencing learning and/or memory within populations. In this special issue honoring the legacy of Troy Zars, we review some of the traditional approaches that have been used to elucidate the genetic basis of learning and/or memory, specifically in fruit flies. We highlight some of his contributions to the field, and specifically describe his vision to bring together behavior and quantitative genomics with the aim of expanding our knowledge of the genetic basis of both learning and memory. Finally, we present some of our recent work in this area using a multiparental population (MPP) as a case study and describe the potential of this approach to advance our understanding of neurogenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathangi Ganesan
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Elizabeth G King
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
De Nobrega AK, Lyons LC. Aging and the clock: Perspective from flies to humans. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 51:454-481. [PMID: 30269400 PMCID: PMC6441388 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous circadian oscillators regulate molecular, cellular and physiological rhythms, synchronizing tissues and organ function to coordinate activity and metabolism with environmental cycles. The technological nature of modern society with round-the-clock work schedules and heavy reliance on personal electronics has precipitated a striking increase in the incidence of circadian and sleep disorders. Circadian dysfunction contributes to an increased risk for many diseases and appears to have adverse effects on aging and longevity in animal models. From invertebrate organisms to humans, the function and synchronization of the circadian system weakens with age aggravating the age-related disorders and pathologies. In this review, we highlight the impacts of circadian dysfunction on aging and longevity and the reciprocal effects of aging on circadian function with examples from Drosophila to humans underscoring the highly conserved nature of these interactions. Additionally, we review the potential for using reinforcement of the circadian system to promote healthy aging and mitigate age-related pathologies. Advancements in medicine and public health have significantly increased human life span in the past century. With the demographics of countries worldwide shifting to an older population, there is a critical need to understand the factors that shape healthy aging. Drosophila melanogaster, as a model for aging and circadian interactions, has the capacity to facilitate the rapid advancement of research in this area and provide mechanistic insights for targeted investigations in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliza K De Nobrega
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Lisa C Lyons
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beets I, Zhang G, Fenk LA, Chen C, Nelson GM, Félix MA, de Bono M. Natural Variation in a Dendritic Scaffold Protein Remodels Experience-Dependent Plasticity by Altering Neuropeptide Expression. Neuron 2019; 105:106-121.e10. [PMID: 31757604 PMCID: PMC6953435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The extent to which behavior is shaped by experience varies between individuals. Genetic differences contribute to this variation, but the neural mechanisms are not understood. Here, we dissect natural variation in the behavioral flexibility of two Caenorhabditis elegans wild strains. In one strain, a memory of exposure to 21% O2 suppresses CO2-evoked locomotory arousal; in the other, CO2 evokes arousal regardless of previous O2 experience. We map that variation to a polymorphic dendritic scaffold protein, ARCP-1, expressed in sensory neurons. ARCP-1 binds the Ca2+-dependent phosphodiesterase PDE-1 and co-localizes PDE-1 with molecular sensors for CO2 at dendritic ends. Reducing ARCP-1 or PDE-1 activity promotes CO2 escape by altering neuropeptide expression in the BAG CO2 sensors. Variation in ARCP-1 alters behavioral plasticity in multiple paradigms. Our findings are reminiscent of genetic accommodation, an evolutionary process by which phenotypic flexibility in response to environmental variation is reset by genetic change. Behavioral flexibility varies across Caenorhabditis and C. elegans wild isolates A natural polymorphism in ARCP-1 underpins inter-individual variation in plasticity ARCP-1 is a dendritic scaffold protein localizing cGMP signaling machinery to cilia Disrupting ARCP-1 alters behavioral plasticity by changing neuropeptide expression
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Beets
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Gaotian Zhang
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Inserm, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Lorenz A Fenk
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Changchun Chen
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Geoffrey M Nelson
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Marie-Anne Félix
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Inserm, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Mario de Bono
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster foraging (for) gene is a well-established example of a gene with major effects on behavior and natural variation. This gene is best known for underlying the behavioral strategies of rover and sitter foraging larvae, having been mapped and named for this phenotype. Nevertheless, in the last three decades an extensive array of studies describing for's role as a modifier of behavior in a wide range of phenotypes, in both Drosophila and other organisms, has emerged. Furthermore, recent work reveals new insights into the genetic and molecular underpinnings of how for affects these phenotypes. In this article, we discuss the history of the for gene and its role in natural variation in behavior, plasticity, and behavioral pleiotropy, with special attention to recent findings on the molecular structure and transcriptional regulation of this gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Anreiter
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada;
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mahneva O, Caplan SL, Ivko P, Dawson-Scully K, Milton SL. NO/cGMP/PKG activation protects Drosophila cells subjected to hypoxic stress. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 223:106-114. [PMID: 31150868 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The anoxia-tolerant fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has routinely been used to examine cellular mechanisms responsible for anoxic and oxidative stress resistance. Nitric oxide (NO), an important cellular signaling molecule, and its downstream activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) has been implicated as a protective mechanism against ischemic injury in diverse animal models from insects to mammals. In Drosophila, increased PKG signaling results in increased survival of animals exposed to anoxic stress. To determine if activation of the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway is protective at the cellular level, the present study employed a pharmacological protocol to mimic hypoxic injury in Drosophila S2 cells. The commonly used S2 cell line was derived from a primary culture of late stage (20-24 h old) Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Hypoxic stress was induced by exposure to either sodium azide (NaN3) or cobalt chloride (CoCl2). During chemical hypoxic stress, NO/cGMP/PKG activation protected against cell death and this mechanism involved modulation of downstream mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium ion channels (mitoKATP). The cellular protection afforded by NO/cGMP/PKG activation during ischemia-like stress may be an adaptive cytoprotective mechanism and modulation of this signaling cascade could serve as a potential therapeutic target for protection against hypoxia or ischemia-induced cellular injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olena Mahneva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
| | - Stacee Lee Caplan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
| | - Polina Ivko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
| | - Sarah L Milton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Williams-Simon PA, Posey C, Mitchell S, Ng'oma E, Mrkvicka JA, Zars T, King EG. Multiple genetic loci affect place learning and memory performance in Drosophila melanogaster. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 18:e12581. [PMID: 31095869 PMCID: PMC6718298 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Learning and memory are critical functions for all animals, giving individuals the ability to respond to changes in their environment. Within populations, individuals vary, however the mechanisms underlying this variation in performance are largely unknown. Thus, it remains to be determined what genetic factors cause an individual to have high learning ability and what factors determine how well an individual will remember what they have learned. To genetically dissect learning and memory performance, we used the Drosophila synthetic population resource (DSPR), a multiparent mapping resource in the model system Drosophila melanogaster, consisting of a large set of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that naturally vary in these and other traits. Fruit flies can be trained in a "heat box" to learn to remain on one side of a chamber (place learning) and can remember this (place memory) over short timescales. Using this paradigm, we measured place learning and memory for ~49 000 individual flies from over 700 DSPR RILs. We identified 16 different loci across the genome that significantly affect place learning and/or memory performance, with 5 of these loci affecting both traits. To identify transcriptomic differences associated with performance, we performed RNA-Seq on pooled samples of seven high performing and seven low performing RILs for both learning and memory and identified hundreds of genes with differences in expression in the two sets. Integrating our transcriptomic results with the mapping results allowed us to identify nine promising candidate genes, advancing our understanding of the genetic basis underlying natural variation in learning and memory performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Posey
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Samuel Mitchell
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Enoch Ng'oma
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - James A Mrkvicka
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Troy Zars
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Elizabeth G King
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Drosophila melanogaster foraging regulates a nociceptive-like escape behavior through a developmentally plastic sensory circuit. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 117:23286-23291. [PMID: 31213548 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820840116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Painful or threatening experiences trigger escape responses that are guided by nociceptive neuronal circuitry. Although some components of this circuitry are known and conserved across animals, how this circuitry is regulated at the genetic and developmental levels is mostly unknown. To escape noxious stimuli, such as parasitoid wasp attacks, Drosophila melanogaster larvae generate a curling and rolling response. Rover and sitter allelic variants of the Drosophila foraging (for) gene differ in parasitoid wasp susceptibility, suggesting a link between for and nociception. By optogenetically activating cells associated with each of for's promoters (pr1-pr4), we show that pr1 cells regulate larval escape behavior. In accordance with rover and sitter differences in parasitoid wasp susceptibility, we found that rovers have higher pr1 expression and increased sensitivity to nociception relative to sitters. The for null mutants display impaired responses to thermal nociception, which are rescued by restoring for expression in pr1 cells. Conversely, knockdown of for in pr1 cells phenocopies the for null mutant. To gain insight into the circuitry underlying this response, we used an intersectional approach and activity-dependent GFP reconstitution across synaptic partners (GRASP) to show that pr1 cells in the ventral nerve cord (VNC) are required for the nociceptive response, and that multidendritic sensory nociceptive neurons synapse onto pr1 neurons in the VNC. Finally, we show that activation of the pr1 circuit during development suppresses the escape response. Our data demonstrate a role of for in larval nociceptive behavior. This function is specific to for pr1 neurons in the VNC, guiding a developmentally plastic escape response circuit.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kelly SP, Dawson-Scully K. Natural polymorphism in protein kinase G modulates functional senescence in D rosophila melanogaster. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.199364. [PMID: 30910834 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.199364] [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: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a well-characterized model for neurological disorders and is widely used to investigate the biology of aging, stress tolerance and pleiotropy. The foraging (for) gene encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), which has been implicated in several behavioral phenotypes including feeding, sleep, learning and memory, and environmental stress tolerance. We used the well-established Drosophila activity monitor (DAM) to investigate the effects of the conserved NO/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway on functional senescence. Our results show that the polymorphic for gene confers protection during low oxygen stress at the expense of longevity and a decline in locomotor activity with age in D. melanogaster, which suggests a novel role for the PKG pathway in healthy aging and senescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P Kelly
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dion E, Monteiro A, Nieberding CM. The Role of Learning on Insect and Spider Sexual Behaviors, Sexual Trait Evolution, and Speciation. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
30
|
Snell-Rood EC, Steck MK. Behaviour shapes environmental variation and selection on learning and plasticity: review of mechanisms and implications. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
31
|
Sehdev A, Mohammed YG, Tafrali C, Szyszka P. Social foraging extends associative odor-food memory expression in an automated learning assay for Drosophila. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.207241. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.207241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Animals socially interact during foraging and share information about the quality and location of food sources. The mechanisms of social information transfer during foraging have been mostly studied at the behavioral level, and its underlying neural mechanisms are largely unknown. Fruit flies have become a model for studying the neural bases of social information transfer, because they provide a large genetic toolbox to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity, and they show a rich repertoire of social behaviors. Fruit flies aggregate, they use social information for choosing a suitable mating partner and oviposition site, and they show better aversive learning when in groups. However, the effects of social interactions on associative odor-food learning have not yet been investigated. Here we present an automated learning and memory assay for walking flies that allows studying the effect of group size on social interactions and on the formation and expression of associative odor-food memories. We found that both inter-fly attraction and the duration of odor-food memory expression increase with group size. We discuss possible behavioral and neural mechanisms of this social effect on odor-food memory expression. This study opens up opportunities to investigate how social interactions during foraging are relayed in the neural circuitry of learning and memory expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Sehdev
- University of Konstanz, Department of Biology, Neurobiology, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Yunusa G. Mohammed
- University of Konstanz, Department of Biology, Neurobiology, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Cansu Tafrali
- University of Konstanz, Department of Biology, Neurobiology, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Paul Szyszka
- University of Konstanz, Department of Biology, Neurobiology, Konstanz 78457, Germany
- University of Otago, Department of Zoology, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dalesman S. Habitat and social context affect memory phenotype, exploration and covariance among these traits. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:20170291. [PMID: 30104436 PMCID: PMC6107572 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in cognitive ability are predicted to covary with other behavioural traits such as exploration and boldness. Selection within different habitats may act to either enhance or break down covariance among traits; alternatively, changing the environmental context in which traits are assessed may result in plasticity that alters trait covariance. Pond snails, Lymnaea stagnalis, from two laboratory strains (more than 20 generations in captivity) and F1 laboratory reared from six wild populations were tested for long-term memory and exploration traits (speed and thigmotaxis) following maintenance in grouped and isolated conditions to determine if isolation: (i) alters memory and exploration; and (ii) alters covariance between memory and exploration. Populations that demonstrated strong memory formation (longer duration) under grouped conditions demonstrated weaker memory formation and reduced both speed and thigmotaxis following isolation. In wild populations, snails showed no relationship between memory and exploration in grouped conditions; however, following isolation, exploration behaviour was negatively correlated with memory, i.e. slow-explorers showing low levels of thigmotaxis formed stronger memories. Laboratory strains demonstrated no covariance among exploration traits and memory independent of context. Together these data demonstrate that the relationship between cognition and exploration traits can depend on both habitat and context-specific trait plasticity.This article is part of the theme issue 'Causes and consequences of individual differences in cognitive abilities'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dalesman
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kelly SP, Risley MG, Miranda LE, Dawson-Scully K. Contribution of a natural polymorphism in protein kinase G modulates electroconvulsive seizure recovery in Drosophila melanogaster. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.179747. [PMID: 29798846 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.179747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is a well-characterized model for neurological disorders and is widely used for investigating causes of altered neuronal excitability leading to seizure-like behavior. One method used to analyze behavioral output of neuronal perturbance is recording the time to locomotor recovery from an electroconvulsive shock. Based on this behavior, we sought to quantify seizure susceptibility in larval D. melanogaster with differences in the enzymatic activity levels of a major protein, cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). PKG, encoded by foraging, has two natural allelic variants and has previously been implicated in several important physiological characteristics including: foraging patterns, learning and memory, and environmental stress tolerance. The well-established NO/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway found in the fly, which potentially targets downstream K+ channel(s), ultimately impacts membrane excitability, leading to our hypothesis: altering PKG enzymatic activity modulates time to recovery from an electroconvulsive seizure. Our results show that by both genetically and pharmacologically increasing PKG enzymatic activity, we can decrease the locomotor recovery time from an electroconvulsive seizure in larval D. melanogaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P Kelly
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Monica G Risley
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.,International Max-Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Brain and Behavior, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Leonor E Miranda
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Saltz JB, Bell AM, Flint J, Gomulkiewicz R, Hughes KA, Keagy J. Why does the magnitude of genotype-by-environment interaction vary? Ecol Evol 2018; 8:6342-6353. [PMID: 29988442 PMCID: PMC6024136 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E), that is, genetic variation in phenotypic plasticity, is a central concept in ecology and evolutionary biology. G×E has wide-ranging implications for trait development and for understanding how organisms will respond to environmental change. Although G × E has been extensively documented, its presence and magnitude vary dramatically across populations and traits. Despite this, we still know little about why G × E is so evident in some traits and populations, but minimal or absent in others. To encourage synthetic research in this area, we review diverse hypotheses for the underlying biological causes of variation in G × E. We extract common themes from these hypotheses to develop a more synthetic understanding of variation in G × E and suggest some important next steps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison M. Bell
- University of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinois
| | - Jonathan Flint
- University of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCalifornia
| | | | | | - Jason Keagy
- University of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinois
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Risley MG, Kelly SP, Minnerly J, Jia K, Dawson-Scully K. egl-4 modulates electroconvulsive seizure duration in C. elegans. INVERTEBRATE NEUROSCIENCE 2018; 18:8. [PMID: 29845318 DOI: 10.1007/s10158-018-0211-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increased neuronal excitability causes seizures with debilitating symptoms. Effective and noninvasive treatments are limited for easing symptoms, partially due to the complexity of the disorder and lack of knowledge of specific molecular faults. An unexplored, novel target for seizure therapeutics is the cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG) pathway, which targets downstream K+ channels, a mechanism similar to Retigabine, a recently FDA-approved antiepileptic drug. Our results demonstrate that increased PKG activity decreased seizure duration in C. elegans utilizing a recently developed electroconvulsive seizure assay. While the fly is a well-established seizure model, C. elegans are an ideal yet unexploited model which easily uptakes drugs and can be utilized for high-throughput screens. In this study, we show that treating the worms with either a potassium channel opener, Retigabine or published pharmaceuticals that increase PKG activity, significantly reduces seizure recovery times. Our results suggest that PKG signaling modulates downstream K+ channel conductance to control seizure recovery time in C. elegans. Hence, we provide powerful evidence, suggesting that pharmacological manipulation of the PKG signaling cascade may control seizure duration across phyla.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica G Risley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.,International Max-Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Brain and Behavior, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Stephanie P Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.,International Max-Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Brain and Behavior, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Justin Minnerly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.,International Max-Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Brain and Behavior, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Kailiang Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.,International Max-Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Brain and Behavior, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA. .,International Max-Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Brain and Behavior, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ahmad M, Keebaugh ES, Tariq M, Ja WW. Evolutionary responses of Drosophila melanogaster under chronic malnutrition. Front Ecol Evol 2018; 6. [PMID: 31286000 DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila species have successfully spread and adapted to diverse climates across the globe. For D. melanogaster, rotting vegetative matter provides the primary substrate for mating and oviposition, and also acts as a nutritional resource for developing larvae and adult flies. The transitory nature of decaying vegetation exposes D. melanogaster to rapidly changing nutrient availability. As evidenced by their successful global spread, flies are capable of dealing with fluctuating nutritional reserves within their respective ecological niches. Therefore, D. melanogaster populations might contain standing genetic variation to support survival during periods of nutrient scarcity. The natural history and genetic tractability of D. melanogaster make the fly an ideal model for studies on the genetic basis of resistance to nutritional stress. We review artificial selection studies on nutritionally-deprived D. melanogaster and summarize the phenotypic outcomes of selected animals. Many of the reported evolved traits phenocopy mutants of the nutrient-sensing PI3K/Akt pathway. Given that the PI3K/Akt pathway is also responsive to acute nutritional stress, the PI3K/Akt pathway might underlie traits evolved under chronic nutritional deprivation. Future studies that directly test for the genetic mechanisms driving evolutionary responses to nutritional stress will take advantage of the ease in manipulating fly nutrient availability in the laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Department of Biology, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA.,Center on Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Erin S Keebaugh
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA.,Center on Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Department of Biology, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - William W Ja
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA.,Center on Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Anreiter I, Sokolowski MB. Deciphering pleiotropy: How complex genes regulate behavior. Commun Integr Biol 2018; 11:1-4. [PMID: 30083283 PMCID: PMC6067849 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2018.1447743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic underpinnings of animal behavior are exceedingly complex. Behavioral phenotypes are commonly regulated by many genes, and the behavioral effects of a gene often dependent on environmental conditions and genetic background. To complicate the study of behavioral genetics further, many genes that regulate behavioral phenotypes are themselves very complex genes, with several gene products and functions. One example of such a complex gene is the foraging gene in D. melanogaster. foraging influences many behaviors in the fruit fly, and the key to its effects likely lies in its complex molecular structure. We've recently found that expression levels of a small subset of transcripts of the foraging gene underlie the behavioral differences seen in adult foraging patterns of the rover and sitter D. melanogaster strains. Here we comment on the larger implications of this and other findings on gene regulation and pleiotropy in behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Anreiter
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), MaRS Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), MaRS Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ingram KK, Gordon DM, Friedman DA, Greene M, Kahler J, Peteru S. Context-dependent expression of the foraging gene in field colonies of ants: the interacting roles of age, environment and task. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.0841. [PMID: 27581876 PMCID: PMC5013789 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Task allocation among social insect workers is an ideal framework for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying behavioural plasticity because workers of similar genotype adopt different behavioural phenotypes. Elegant laboratory studies have pioneered this effort, but field studies involving the genetic regulation of task allocation are rare. Here, we investigate the expression of the foraging gene in harvester ant workers from five age- and task-related groups in a natural population, and we experimentally test how exposure to light affects foraging expression in brood workers and foragers. Results from our field study show that the regulation of the foraging gene in harvester ants occurs at two time scales: levels of foraging mRNA are associated with ontogenetic changes over weeks in worker age, location and task, and there are significant daily oscillations in foraging expression in foragers. The temporal dissection of foraging expression reveals that gene expression changes in foragers occur across a scale of hours and the level of expression is predicted by activity rhythms: foragers have high levels of foraging mRNA during daylight hours when they are most active outside the nests. In the experimental study, we find complex interactions in foraging expression between task behaviour and light exposure. Oscillations occur in foragers following experimental exposure to 13 L : 11 D (LD) conditions, but not in brood workers under similar conditions. No significant differences were seen in foraging expression over time in either task in 24 h dark (DD) conditions. Interestingly, the expression of foraging in both undisturbed field and experimentally treated foragers is also significantly correlated with the expression of the circadian clock gene, cycle. Our results provide evidence that the regulation of this gene is context-dependent and associated with both ontogenetic and daily behavioural plasticity in field colonies of harvester ants. Our results underscore the importance of assaying temporal patterns in behavioural gene expression and suggest that gene regulation is an integral mechanism associated with behavioural plasticity in harvester ants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista K Ingram
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
| | - Deborah M Gordon
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Gilbert Biological Science Building, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daniel A Friedman
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Gilbert Biological Science Building, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael Greene
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado, Campus Box 171, PO Box 176634, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - John Kahler
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
| | - Swetha Peteru
- Department of Geography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Foley BR, Marjoram P, Nuzhdin SV. Basic reversal-learning capacity in flies suggests rudiments of complex cognition. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181749. [PMID: 28813432 PMCID: PMC5558953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The most basic models of learning are reinforcement learning models (for instance, classical and operant conditioning) that posit a constant learning rate; however many animals change their learning rates with experience. This process is sometimes studied by reversing an existing association between cues and rewards, and measuring the rate of relearning. Augmented reversal-learning, where learning rates increase with practice, can be an important component of behavioral flexibility; and may provide insight into higher cognition. Previous studies of reversal-learning in Drosophila have not measured learning rates, but have tended to focus on measuring gross deficits in reversal-learning, as the ratio of two timepoints. These studies have uncovered a diversity of mechanisms underlying reversal-learning, but natural genetic variation in this trait has yet to be assessed. We conducted a reversal-learning regime on a diverse panel of Drosophila melanogaster genotypes. We found highly significant genetic variation in their baseline ability to learn. We also found that they have a consistent, and strong (1.3×), increase in their learning speed with reversal. We found no evidence, however, that there was genetic variation in their ability to increase their learning rates with experience. This may suggest that Drosophila have a hitherto unrecognized ability to integrate acquired information, and improve their decision making; but that their mechanisms for doing so are under strong constraints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brad R. Foley
- Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Paul Marjoram
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sergey V. Nuzhdin
- Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Leadbeater E, Dawson EH. A social insect perspective on the evolution of social learning mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:7838-7845. [PMID: 28739957 PMCID: PMC5544272 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620744114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The social world offers a wealth of opportunities to learn from others, and across the animal kingdom individuals capitalize on those opportunities. Here, we explore the role of natural selection in shaping the processes that underlie social information use, using a suite of experiments on social insects as case studies. We illustrate how an associative framework can encompass complex, context-specific social learning in the insect world and beyond, and based on the hypothesis that evolution acts to modify the associative process, suggest potential pathways by which social information use could evolve to become more efficient and effective. Social insects are distant relatives of vertebrate social learners, but the research we describe highlights routes by which natural selection could coopt similar cognitive raw material across the animal kingdom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellouise Leadbeater
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, United Kingdom;
| | - Erika H Dawson
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The evolution of cognitive mechanisms in response to cultural innovations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:7915-7922. [PMID: 28739938 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620742114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
When humans and other animals make cultural innovations, they also change their environment, thereby imposing new selective pressures that can modify their biological traits. For example, there is evidence that dairy farming by humans favored alleles for adult lactose tolerance. Similarly, the invention of cooking possibly affected the evolution of jaw and tooth morphology. However, when it comes to cognitive traits and learning mechanisms, it is much more difficult to determine whether and how their evolution was affected by culture or by their use in cultural transmission. Here we argue that, excluding very recent cultural innovations, the assumption that culture shaped the evolution of cognition is both more parsimonious and more productive than assuming the opposite. In considering how culture shapes cognition, we suggest that a process-level model of cognitive evolution is necessary and offer such a model. The model employs relatively simple coevolving mechanisms of learning and data acquisition that jointly construct a complex network of a type previously shown to be capable of supporting a range of cognitive abilities. The evolution of cognition, and thus the effect of culture on cognitive evolution, is captured through small modifications of these coevolving learning and data-acquisition mechanisms, whose coordinated action is critical for building an effective network. We use the model to show how these mechanisms are likely to evolve in response to cultural phenomena, such as language and tool-making, which are associated with major changes in data patterns and with new computational and statistical challenges.
Collapse
|
42
|
McConnell MW, Fitzpatrick MJ. 'Foraging' for a place to lay eggs: A genetic link between foraging behaviour and oviposition preferences. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179362. [PMID: 28622389 PMCID: PMC5473555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravid female arthropods in search of egg-laying substrates embark on foraging-like forays: they survey the environment assessing multiple patches, tasting each with their tarsi and proboscis, and then, if interested, they deposit an egg (or eggs). In fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, allelic variation in the foraging gene (for) underlies the rover/sitter foraging behaviour polymorphism. Rover flies (forR) are more active foragers (both within and between food patches) compared to sitters (fors). In nematodes, Caenorhabditis elegans, a mutation in egl-4, the ortholog of for, leads to aberrations in egg laying. Given this and the notion that females may 'forage' for a place to oviposit, we hypothesized that for may underlie egg-laying decisions in the fruit fly. Indeed, when given a choice between patches of low- and high-nutrient availability, rovers lay significantly more eggs on the low-nutrient patches than sitters and also a sitter mutant (fors2). We confirm the role of for by inducing rover-like oviposition preferences in a sitter fly using the transgenic overexpression of for-mRNA in the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murray W. McConnell
- Integrative Behaviour & Neuroscience Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark J. Fitzpatrick
- Integrative Behaviour & Neuroscience Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wetzel DP. Problem‐solving skills are linked to parental care and offspring survival in wild house sparrows. Ethology 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
44
|
Sokolowski HM, Vasquez OE, Unternaehrer E, Sokolowski DJ, Biergans SD, Atkinson L, Gonzalez A, Silveira PP, Levitan R, O'Donnell KJ, Steiner M, Kennedy J, Meaney MJ, Fleming AS, Sokolowski MB. The Drosophila foraging gene human orthologue PRKG1 predicts individual differences in the effects of early adversity on maternal sensitivity. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2016; 42:62-73. [PMID: 28827895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is variation in the extent to which childhood adverse experience affects adult individual differences in maternal behavior. Genetic variation in the animal foraging gene, which encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase, contributes to variation in the responses of adult fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, to early life adversity and is also known to play a role in maternal behavior in social insects. Here we investigate genetic variation in the human foraging gene (PRKG1) as a predictor of individual differences in the effects of early adversity on maternal behavior in two cohorts. We show that the PRKG1 genetic polymorphism rs2043556 associates with maternal sensitivity towards their infants. We also show that rs2043556 moderates the association between self-reported childhood adversity of the mother and her later maternal sensitivity. Mothers with the TT allele of rs2043556 appeared buffered from the effects of early adversity, whereas mothers with the presence of a C allele were not. Our study used the Toronto Longitudinal Cohort (N=288 mother-16 month old infant pairs) and the Maternal Adversity and Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment Cohort (N=281 mother-18 month old infant pairs). Our findings expand the literature on the contributions of both genetics and gene-environment interactions to maternal sensitivity, a salient feature of the early environment relevant for child neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Moriah Sokolowski
- Department of Psychology, Brain and Mind Institute, The University of Western Ontario, Westminster Hall, Room 325, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7
| | - Oscar E Vasquez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 25 Wilcocks St. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3B2
| | - Eva Unternaehrer
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3
| | - Dustin J Sokolowski
- Department of Biology, University of Western, Ontario, Toronto, Canada, N6A 3K7
| | - Stephanie D Biergans
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 25 Wilcocks St. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3B2
| | - Leslie Atkinson
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5B2K3
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster Innovation Park, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4K1
| | - Patricia P Silveira
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3
| | - Robert Levitan
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8G 5E4
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), 180 Dundas St West, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 1Z8
| | - Meir Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster Innovation Park, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4K1.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8G 5E4
| | - James Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction an Mental Health, 33 Russell St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M1
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Science, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine 30 Medical Drive, Singapore 117609.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), 180 Dundas St West, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 1Z8
| | - Alison S Fleming
- Department of Psychology, 100 St. George Street, Sidney Smith Hall Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G3
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 25 Wilcocks St. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3B2.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), 180 Dundas St West, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 1Z8
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Feeding-Related Traits Are Affected by Dosage of the foraging Gene in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2016; 205:761-773. [PMID: 28007892 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.197939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrient acquisition and energy storage are critical parts of achieving metabolic homeostasis. The foraging gene in Drosophila melanogaster has previously been implicated in multiple feeding-related and metabolic traits. Before foraging's functions can be further dissected, we need a precise genetic null mutant to definitively map its amorphic phenotypes. We used homologous recombination to precisely delete foraging, generating the for0 null allele, and used recombineering to reintegrate a full copy of the gene, generating the {forBAC} rescue allele. We show that a total loss of foraging expression in larvae results in reduced larval path length and food intake behavior, while conversely showing an increase in triglyceride levels. Furthermore, varying foraging gene dosage demonstrates a linear dose-response on these phenotypes in relation to foraging gene expression levels. These experiments have unequivocally proven a causal, dose-dependent relationship between the foraging gene and its pleiotropic influence on these feeding-related traits. Our analysis of foraging's transcription start sites, termination sites, and splicing patterns using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and full-length cDNA sequencing, revealed four independent promoters, pr1-4, that produce 21 transcripts with nine distinct open reading frames (ORFs). The use of alternative promoters and alternative splicing at the foraging locus creates diversity and flexibility in the regulation of gene expression, and ultimately function. Future studies will exploit these genetic tools to precisely dissect the isoform- and tissue-specific requirements of foraging's functions and shed light on the genetic control of feeding-related traits involved in energy homeostasis.
Collapse
|
46
|
Seiter M, Schausberger P. Constitutive and Operational Variation of Learning in Foraging Predatory Mites. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166334. [PMID: 27814380 PMCID: PMC5096697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning is widely documented across animal taxa but studies stringently scrutinizing the causes of constitutive or operational variation of learning among populations and individuals are scarce. The ability to learn is genetically determined and subject to constitutive variation while the performance in learning depends on the immediate circumstances and is subject to operational variation. We assessed variation in learning ability and performance of plant-inhabiting predatory mites, Amblyseius swirskii, caused by population origin, rearing diet, and type of experience. Using an early learning foraging paradigm, we determined that homogeneous single prey environments did not select for reduced learning ability, as compared to natural prey-diverse environments, whereas a multi-generational pollen diet resulted in loss of learning, as compared to a diet of live prey. Associative learning produced stronger effects than non-associative learning but both types of experience produced persistent memory. Our study represents a key example of environmentally caused variation in learning ability and performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Seiter
- Group of Arthropod Ecology and Behavior, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Schausberger
- Group of Arthropod Ecology and Behavior, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
As a highly consequential biological trait, a memory "bottleneck" cannot escape selection pressures. It must therefore co-evolve with other cognitive mechanisms rather than act as an independent constraint. Recent theory and an implemented model of language acquisition suggest that a limit on working memory may evolve to help learning. Furthermore, it need not hamper the use of language for communication.
Collapse
|
48
|
Fouks B, Lattorff HMG. Contrasting Evolutionary Rates between Social and Parasitic Bumblebees for Three Social Effect Genes. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2016.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
49
|
Smid HM, Vet LE. The complexity of learning, memory and neural processes in an evolutionary ecological context. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 15:61-69. [PMID: 27436733 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to learn and form memories is widespread among insects, but there exists considerable natural variation between species and populations in these traits. Variation manifests itself in the way information is stored in different memory forms. This review focuses on ecological factors such as environmental information, spatial aspects of foraging behavior and resource distribution that drive the evolution of this natural variation and discusses the role of different genes and neural networks. We conclude that at the level of individual, population or species, insect learning and memory cannot be described as good or bad. Rather, we argue that insects evolve tailor-made learning and memory types; they gate learned information into memories with high or low persistence. This way, they are prepared to learn and form memory to optimally deal with the specific ecologies of their foraging environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans M Smid
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Louise Em Vet
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Navawongse R, Choudhury D, Raczkowska M, Stewart JC, Lim T, Rahman M, Toh AGG, Wang Z, Claridge-Chang A. Drosophila learn efficient paths to a food source. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2016; 131:176-81. [PMID: 27063671 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating the genetic, and neuronal bases for learned behavior is a central problem in neuroscience. A leading system for neurogenetic discovery is the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster; fly memory research has identified genes and circuits that mediate aversive and appetitive learning. However, methods to study adaptive food-seeking behavior in this animal have lagged decades behind rodent feeding analysis, largely due to the challenges presented by their small scale. There is currently no method to dynamically control flies' access to food. In rodents, protocols that use dynamic food delivery are a central element of experimental paradigms that date back to the influential work of Skinner. This method is still commonly used in the analysis of learning, memory, addiction, feeding, and many other subjects in experimental psychology. The difficulty of microscale food delivery means this is not a technique used in fly behavior. In the present manuscript we describe a microfluidic chip integrated with machine vision and automation to dynamically control defined liquid food presentations and sensory stimuli. Strikingly, repeated presentations of food at a fixed location produced improvements in path efficiency during food approach. This shows that improved path choice is a learned behavior. Active control of food availability using this microfluidic system is a valuable addition to the methods currently available for the analysis of learned feeding behavior in flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rapeechai Navawongse
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Deepak Choudhury
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Marlena Raczkowska
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - James Charles Stewart
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Sieva Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | - Terrence Lim
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Mashiur Rahman
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Alicia Guek Geok Toh
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Adam Claridge-Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138673, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|