FMRFa receptor stimulated Ca2+ signals alter the activity of flight modulating central dopaminergic neurons in Drosophila melanogaster.

Deepti Trivedi,Preethi Ravi,Gaiti Hasan

doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1007459

Deepti Trivedi, Preethi Ravi + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1007459

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Abstract

Neuropeptide signaling influences animal behavior by modulating neuronal activity and thus altering circuit dynamics. Insect flight is a key innate behavior that very likely requires robust neuromodulation. Cellular and molecular components that help modulate flight behavior are therefore of interest and require investigation. In a genetic RNAi screen for G-protein coupled receptors that regulate flight bout durations, we earlier identified several receptors, including the receptor for the neuropeptide FMRFa (FMRFaR). To further investigate modulation of insect flight by FMRFa we generated CRISPR-Cas9 mutants in the gene encoding the Drosophila FMRFaR. The mutants exhibit significant flight deficits with a focus in dopaminergic cells. Expression of a receptor specific RNAi in adult central dopaminergic neurons resulted in progressive loss of sustained flight. Further, genetic and cellular assays demonstrated that FMRFaR stimulates intracellular calcium signaling through the IP3R and helps maintain neuronal excitability in a subset of dopaminergic neurons for positive modulation of flight bout durations.

Highlights

Neuromodulation of animal behavior by neuropeptides is ubiquitous among vertebrates and invertebrates [1,2]
We have used the genetically amenable fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster to identify a neuropeptide receptor that is required in adults to modulate flight behavior
We show from both knockdown and knockout studies that the neuropeptide receptor, FMRFaR, present on a few central dopaminergic neurons, modulates the duration of flight bouts

Summary

Introduction

Neuromodulation of animal behavior by neuropeptides is ubiquitous among vertebrates and invertebrates [1,2]. Neuropeptides and their receptors influence neuronal activity and circuit dynamics by modulating presynaptic neurotransmitter release. The neural action of neuropeptides can either be local or at long distances by release into circulation and can influence intrinsic behaviors such as feeding, mating, sleep and aggression [3,4]. An important and critical behavior in flying insects is flight. Neuromodulation of insect flight has far been attributed primarily to biogenic amines [5,6,7]. A role for neuropeptide-based modulation of flight behavior has remained largely unexplored

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