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Regulation of long-term memory by a few clock neurons in Drosophila

Summary

Researchers discovered that just a few special nerve cells in fruit fly brains control how memories are formed and maintained. These clock neurons use a protein called Period to help convert short-term memories into long-term memories that can last for days. Understanding how these small groups of neurons regulate memory in flies could provide insights into how human brains form and maintain memories.

Background

The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster serves as a model organism for understanding neural circuits controlling behavior and physiology. The clock gene period (per) was previously identified as essential for circadian rhythms and has been found to also play a crucial role in long-term memory (LTM) formation.

Objective

This review focuses on the recent discovery that a limited number of per-expressing clock neurons regulate Drosophila long-term memory consolidation and maintenance. The authors aim to discuss how a small number of clock neurons control courtship-related LTM and the molecular mechanisms underlying this process.

Results

Two pairs of dorsal-lateral neurons (LNds) among the ~150 clock neurons are critical for courtship LTM. Per expression in LNds is essential for LTM consolidation, while neurotransmission from LNds on day 2 after conditioning is essential for LTM maintenance. The Per protein functions independently of its circadian rhythm role in LTM regulation.

Conclusion

A very small number of clock neurons (‘singularity cells’) regulate Drosophila LTM through both consolidation and maintenance phases. The findings suggest that clock gene networks interact with memory centers like the mushroom body, and similar mechanisms may apply to mammalian memory processes.
  • Published in:Biophysics and Physicobiology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39175866
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