Cell Reports,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
42(10), P. 113297 - 113297
Published: Oct. 1, 2023
Comparative
studies
of
related
but
ecologically
distinct
species
can
reveal
how
the
nervous
system
evolves
to
drive
behaviors
that
are
particularly
suited
certain
environments.
Drosophila
melanogaster
is
a
generalist
feeds
and
oviposits
on
most
overripe
fruits.
A
sibling
species,
D.
sechellia,
an
obligate
specialist
Morinda
citrifolia
(noni)
fruit,
which
rich
in
fatty
acids
(FAs).
To
understand
evolution
noni
taste
preference,
we
characterized
behavioral
cellular
responses
noni-associated
FAs
three
drosophilids.
We
find
mixtures
sugar
evoke
strong
aversion
not
sechellia.
Surveys
sensory
FA-
species-specific
differences
at
least
two
mechanisms—bitter
neuron
activation
sweet
inhibition–that
correlate
with
shifts
preference.
Chemoreceptor
mutant
analysis
predicts
multiple
genetic
changes
account
for
gustatory
preference
Chemical Senses,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
48
Published: Jan. 1, 2023
Abstract
High
concentrations
of
dietary
salt
are
harmful
to
health.
Like
most
animals,
Drosophila
melanogaster
attracted
foods
that
have
low
salt,
but
show
strong
taste
avoidance
high
foods.
Salt
in
known
on
multiple
classes
neurons,
activating
Gr64f
sweet-sensing
neurons
drive
food
acceptance
and
2
others
(Gr66a
bitter
Ppk23
salt)
rejection.
Here
we
find
NaCl
elicits
a
bimodal
dose-dependent
response
which
activity
with
depressed
salt.
also
inhibits
the
sugar
this
action
is
independent
neuron’s
Consistent
electrophysiological
analysis,
feeding
suppression
presence
correlates
inhibition
neuron
activity,
remains
if
genetically
silenced.
Other
salts
such
as
Na2SO4,
KCl,
MgSO4,
CaCl2,
FeCl3
act
behavior
same
way.
A
comparison
effects
various
suggests
dictated
by
cationic
moiety
rather
than
anionic
component
Notably,
salt-dependent
not
observed
Gr66a
neurons—response
canonical
tastant,
denatonium,
altered
Overall,
study
characterizes
mechanism
appetitive
can
deter
ingestion
potentially
salts.
Cell Reports,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
42(10), P. 113297 - 113297
Published: Oct. 1, 2023
Comparative
studies
of
related
but
ecologically
distinct
species
can
reveal
how
the
nervous
system
evolves
to
drive
behaviors
that
are
particularly
suited
certain
environments.
Drosophila
melanogaster
is
a
generalist
feeds
and
oviposits
on
most
overripe
fruits.
A
sibling
species,
D.
sechellia,
an
obligate
specialist
Morinda
citrifolia
(noni)
fruit,
which
rich
in
fatty
acids
(FAs).
To
understand
evolution
noni
taste
preference,
we
characterized
behavioral
cellular
responses
noni-associated
FAs
three
drosophilids.
We
find
mixtures
sugar
evoke
strong
aversion
not
sechellia.
Surveys
sensory
FA-
species-specific
differences
at
least
two
mechanisms—bitter
neuron
activation
sweet
inhibition–that
correlate
with
shifts
preference.
Chemoreceptor
mutant
analysis
predicts
multiple
genetic
changes
account
for
gustatory
preference
