Our lab has identified a previously unknown parallel function of dopamine neurons involved in olfactory memory in Drosophila. While these neurons were known to be crucial for memory formation, we demonstrate they simultaneously drive immediate attraction and aversion behaviors, independent of their memory-related function.
Through optogenetic manipulation, we found that sensory neurons essential for olfactory memory were not required for dopamine-driven immediate responses. We identified two key neuronal populations: a broad network of dopaminergic neurons that influenced behavior through dopamine, glutamate, and octopamine signaling, and a more specific cluster that drove attractive responses. Notably, inhibiting this latter group caused flies to display active avoidance, highlighting its role in ongoing behavioral control.
This work reveals how dopaminergic systems can coherently guide both immediate responses and memory formation, advancing our understanding of the neural circuits underlying learning and behavior.
The study was published in PLOS Biology.
Through optogenetic manipulation, we found that sensory neurons essential for olfactory memory were not required for dopamine-driven immediate responses. We identified two key neuronal populations: a broad network of dopaminergic neurons that influenced behavior through dopamine, glutamate, and octopamine signaling, and a more specific cluster that drove attractive responses. Notably, inhibiting this latter group caused flies to display active avoidance, highlighting its role in ongoing behavioral control.
This work reveals how dopaminergic systems can coherently guide both immediate responses and memory formation, advancing our understanding of the neural circuits underlying learning and behavior.
The study was published in PLOS Biology.
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