Neural circuit mechanisms for steering control in walking Drosophila

Published: May 2, 2025

Orienting behaviors provide a continuous stream of information about an organism’s sensory experiences and plans. Thus, to study the links between sensation action, it is useful identify neurons in brain that control orienting behaviors. Here we describe descending Drosophila predict influence orientation (heading) during walking. We show these cells have specialized functions: whereas one cell type predicts sustained low-gain steering, other transient high-gain steering. These latter integrate internally-directed steering signals from head direction system with stimulus-directed multimodal pathways. The inputs are organized produce “see-saw” commands, so increasing output hemisphere accompanied by decreasing hemisphere. Together, our results internal external drives integrated motor commands different timescales, for flexible precise space.

Language: Английский

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A split-GAL4 driver line resource for Drosophila CNS cell types

Published: July 30, 2024

Techniques that enable precise manipulations of subsets neurons in the fly central nervous system have greatly facilitated our understanding neural basis behavior. Split-GAL4 driver lines allow specific targeting cell types Drosophila melanogaster and other species. We describe here a collection 3060 range adult 1373 characterized third-instar larvae. These tools functional, transcriptomic, proteomic studies based on anatomical targeting. NeuronBridge search relate light microscopy images these split-GAL4 to connectomes reconstructed from electron images. The collections are result screening over 77,000 split hemidriver combinations. In addition stocks for well-characterized lines, we make available 300,000 new 3D lines.

Language: Английский

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Machine learning reveals the control mechanics of an insect wing hinge

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 30, 2023

Insects constitute the most species-rich radiation of metazoa, a success due to evolution active flight. Unlike pterosaurs, birds, and bats, wings insects did not evolve from legs

Language: Английский

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Miniature linear and split-belt treadmills reveal mechanisms of adaptive motor control in walkingDrosophila

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 24, 2024

Abstract To navigate complex environments, walking animals must detect and overcome unexpected perturbations. One technical challenge when investigating adaptive locomotion is measuring behavioral responses to precise perturbations during naturalistic walking; another that manipulating neural activity in sensorimotor circuits often reduces spontaneous locomotion. these obstacles, we introduce miniature treadmill systems for coercing tracking 3D kinematics of Drosophila . By systematically comparing three experimental setups, show flies compelled walk on the linear have similar stepping freely flies, while tethered are subtly different. Genetically silencing mechanosensory neurons alters step across all speeds, inter-leg coordination remains intact. We also found can maintain a forward heading split-belt by adapting distance their middle legs. Overall, new insights demonstrate utility treadmills studying insect

Language: Английский

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Activity of nested neural circuits drives different courtship songs in Drosophila

Nature Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 27(10), P. 1954 - 1965

Published: Aug. 28, 2024

Abstract Motor systems implement diverse motor programs to pattern behavioral sequences, yet how different actions are controlled on a moment-by-moment basis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the neural circuit mechanisms underlying control of distinct courtship songs in Drosophila . Courting males rapidly alternate between two types song: pulse and sine. By recording calcium signals ventral nerve cord singing flies, found that one population is active during both songs, whereas an expanded population, which includes neurons from first song. Brain recordings showed this nested activation present descending pathways required for singing. Connectomic analysis reveals these provide structured input manner consistent with their patterns. These results suggest premotor activity, directed by signals, enables rapid switching actions.

Language: Английский

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