Networks of sexually dimorphic neurons that regulate social behaviors in Drosophila

janelia7_blocks-janelia7_biblio_header | block

bioRxiv. 2025 Oct 21;. doi: 10.1101/2025.10.21.683766

Networks of sexually dimorphic neurons that regulate social behaviors in Drosophila FlyEM

Rubin GM, Managan C, Dreher M, Kim E, Miller S, Boone K, Robie A, Taylor AL, Branson K, Schretter CE, Otopalik AG

janelia7_blocks-janelia7_biblio_abstract | block

Abstract

Neural mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic social behaviors remain enigmatic in most species. In Drosophila, sexually dimorphic P1/pC1x neurons have been described as a site of sensory integration that regulates mating and aggressive behaviors. We show that the male P1/pC1x population forms a highly intertwined network with male-specific mAL and aSP-a neurons that is poised to regulate male behavior. The 48 P1/pC1x cell types exhibit heterogeneous synaptic connections with a subset receiving strong input from identified sensory pathways. We also describe circuit motifs by which P1 and sexually dimorphic aIPg neurons co-regulate social behaviors. Genetic driver lines for these cell types were generated and used to discover distinct roles for P1/pC1x cell types in promoting social acoustic signaling and male-male interactions. Our results reveal unexpected diversity in the connectivity and behavioral roles of the P1/pC1x cell types and provide essential genetic tools for interrogating their neurophysiological and behavioral functions.

janelia7_blocks-janelia7_biblio_authors | block

janelia7_blocks-janelia7_biblio_tools | block

Main Menu (Mobile)- Block

Main Menu - Block

Networks of sexually dimorphic neurons that regulate social behaviors in Drosophila

Abstract

Janelia Authors