A neural circuit encoding mating states tunes defensive behavior in Drosophila

Chenxi Liu, Bei Zhang, Liwei Zhang, Tingting Yang, Zhewei Zhang, Zihua Gao and Wei Zhang ()
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Chenxi Liu: Tsinghua University
Bei Zhang: Tsinghua University
Liwei Zhang: Tsinghua University
Tingting Yang: Tsinghua University
Zhewei Zhang: Tsinghua University
Zihua Gao: Tsinghua University
Wei Zhang: Tsinghua University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Social context can dampen or amplify the perception of touch, and touch in turn conveys nuanced social information. However, the neural mechanism behind social regulation of mechanosensation is largely elusive. Here we report that fruit flies exhibit a strong defensive response to mechanical stimuli to their wings. In contrast, virgin female flies being courted by a male show a compromised defensive response to the stimuli, but following mating the response is enhanced. This state-dependent switch is mediated by a functional reconfiguration of a neural circuit labelled with the Tmc-L gene in the ventral nerve cord. The circuit receives excitatory inputs from peripheral mechanoreceptors and coordinates the defensive response. While male cues suppress it via a doublesex (dsx) neuronal pathway, mating sensitizes it by stimulating a group of uterine neurons and consequently activating a leucokinin-dependent pathway. Such a modulation is crucial for the balance between defense against body contacts and sexual receptivity.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17771-8

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