Kenyon cells – mycolab.ai

Postsynaptic plasticity of cholinergic synapses underlies the induction and expression of appetitive and familiarity memories in Drosophila

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Scientists discovered that fruit flies store memories using postsynaptic changes at cholinergic synapses, similar to how humans use postsynaptic mechanisms at glutamate synapses. Specific acetylcholine receptor subunits (α5 and α2) in brain cells called M4/6 neurons are required for different stages of memory formation. The research shows that fundamental memory storage mechanisms are conserved across evolution despite differences in the chemical messengers used.

Dopamine activity in projection neurons regulates short-lasting olfactory approach memory in Drosophila

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Fruit flies learn to avoid dangerous smells and approach safe smells during training. Scientists discovered that flies form both types of memories at the same time, but they work differently in the brain. Safe-smell memories are made using special brain areas and chemical signals that are different from danger memories. These findings help us understand how brains separate good and bad experiences.

An antagonism between Spinophilin and Syd-1 operates upstream of memory-promoting presynaptic long-term plasticity

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This research reveals how two brain proteins called Spinophilin and Syd-1 work against each other to control how synapses strengthen during memory formation. When flies learn something new, these proteins reorganize the structure of synaptic connections through managing thin filaments called actin, which allows more neurotransmitters to be released. The study shows that this mechanism is essential for remembering information after learning, but not for the initial learning itself.

The cellular architecture of memory modules in Drosophila supports stochastic input integration

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Scientists created a detailed computer model of a memory-processing neuron in the fruit fly brain to understand how memories are stored and recalled. The study found that the neuron’s design allows it to store many different memories using random connections from input neurons, similar to how a brain might encode multiple learned experiences. This research reveals that memories can be efficiently stored without requiring precise positioning of individual neural connections, suggesting the brain uses flexibility and randomness as computational strategies.

Optogenetic induction of appetitive and aversive taste memories in Drosophila

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Fruit flies can learn to like or dislike tastes based on experience, much like humans do. Scientists used light-activated neurons to create new taste memories in flies, showing that taste preferences are not fixed but can change when paired with rewards or punishments. The study reveals that taste memory formation uses similar brain mechanisms and energy requirements as odor memory, suggesting that both senses depend on experience to shape preferences.

A dopamine-gated learning circuit underpins reproductive state-dependent odor preference in Drosophila females

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Female fruit flies change their food preferences after mating, becoming attracted to nutrients important for egg production. This study reveals that during mating, pheromone detection triggers dopamine-driven changes in the fly’s brain learning center. These neural changes essentially ‘remember’ mating experience and reprogram the female’s sense of smell, even though the sensory neurons return to normal within hours. This demonstrates how an animal can learn from mating experience to make better nutritional choices as a mother.

N-terminal oligomerization drives HDAC4 nuclear condensation and neurodevelopmental dysfunction in Drosophila

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This study reveals how a protein called HDAC4 forms clumps inside cell nuclei, which damages brain development. Researchers found that the protein’s ability to stick to itself (oligomerize) drives this clumping process. By modifying the protein to prevent self-sticking, they reduced the damage to developing brain structures, suggesting new ways to treat brain disorders linked to HDAC4 accumulation.

Research Keyword: Kenyon cells

Postsynaptic plasticity of cholinergic synapses underlies the induction and expression of appetitive and familiarity memories in Drosophila

Dopamine activity in projection neurons regulates short-lasting olfactory approach memory in Drosophila

An antagonism between Spinophilin and Syd-1 operates upstream of memory-promoting presynaptic long-term plasticity

The cellular architecture of memory modules in Drosophila supports stochastic input integration

Optogenetic induction of appetitive and aversive taste memories in Drosophila

A dopamine-gated learning circuit underpins reproductive state-dependent odor preference in Drosophila females

N-terminal oligomerization drives HDAC4 nuclear condensation and neurodevelopmental dysfunction in Drosophila