The genetic basis of natural variation in mushroom body size in Drosophila melanogaster

Liesbeth Zwarts, Lies Vanden Broeck, Elisa Cappuyns, Julien F. Ayroles, Michael M. Magwire, Veerle Vulsteke, Jason Clements, Trudy F. C. Mackay and Patrick Callaerts ()
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Liesbeth Zwarts: KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
Lies Vanden Broeck: KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
Elisa Cappuyns: KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
Julien F. Ayroles: Program in Genetics and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University
Michael M. Magwire: Program in Genetics and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University
Veerle Vulsteke: KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
Jason Clements: KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
Trudy F. C. Mackay: Program in Genetics and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University
Patrick Callaerts: KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Genetic variation in brain size may provide the basis for the evolution of the brain and complex behaviours. The genetic substrate and the selective pressures acting on brain size are poorly understood. Here we use the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel to map polymorphic variants affecting natural variation in mushroom body morphology. We identify 139 genes and 39 transcription factors and confirm effects on development and adult plasticity. We show correlations between morphology and aggression, sleep and lifespan. We propose that natural variation in adult brain size is controlled by interaction of the environment with gene networks controlling development and plasticity.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10115

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