Research Topic: mushroom body

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Read More »

Multiphoton imaging of neural structure and activity in Drosophila through the intact cuticle

mycolabadmin

Scientists developed a new imaging technique that allows researchers to observe brain activity in fruit flies without surgically removing the protective head covering. This breakthrough lets researchers watch neural activity for much longer periods and during natural behaviors like walking and responding to odors. The technique uses special microscopes that shine infrared light through the fly’s intact head to image neurons expressing fluorescent proteins.

Read More »

Optogenetic induction of appetitive and aversive taste memories in Drosophila

mycolabadmin

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.

Read More »

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Read More »

Behavioral dissection of hunger states in Drosophila

mycolabadmin

Scientists studying fruit flies discovered that hunger comes in two types: the need-based hunger when your body needs nutrients, and pleasure-based hunger when you want tasty food. By carefully watching how flies eat under different food conditions and examining their brain activity, researchers identified specific brain structures (the mushroom body) and dopamine neurons that control the desire for delicious food. This finding helps us understand why we eat food we don’t need and could lead to better treatments for obesity and eating disorders.

Read More »
Scroll to Top