Presentation Details
| Connectomic mapping of pharyngeal and gut sensory circuits in adult Drosophila Dimitrios S.Giakoumas1, Julia M.Zhu1, Alaina Jamal2, Zepeng Yao1. 1University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.2Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA |
Abstract
Feeding is regulated by both external sensory signals, such as taste, and internal sensory signals originating from the pharynx and gut. The recent completion of the Full Adult Fly Brain (FAFB) connectome presents an exciting opportunity to map these sensory inputs and their downstream circuits. While the external gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) have been relatively well characterized, the internal pharyngeal and gut sensory neurons remain less understood. Here, we systemically identify their axonal projections in the FAFB connectome and examine their downstream circuits. We find that the stomodeal nerve, which carries afferent signals from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, contains multiple types of sensory axons with distinct morphology and downstream connectivity. In addition, we identify sensory axons derived from different pharyngeal sense organs and find that chemosensory and mechanosensory neurons project to distinct regions of the subesophageal zone. Characterization of the second- and third-order neurons reveals the brain regions that receive inputs from pharyngeal and gut sensory neurons. Interestingly, a subset of these internal sensory neurons forms monosynaptic connections with various motor neurons and endocrine cells, suggesting that internal signals from the gut and pharynx may directly drive feeding-related motor programs and endocrine functions. Together, this study provides a foundation for further analysis of feeding-related internal sensory circuits and may offer insights into how external and internal sensory signals are integrated to regulate feeding behavior.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.