Abstract
Recurrent connections are thought to be a common feature of the neural circuits that encode memories, but how memories are laid down in such circuits is not fully understood. Here we present evidence that courtship memory in Drosophila relies on the recurrent circuit between mushroom body gamma (MBγ), M6 output, and aSP13 dopaminergic neurons. We demonstrate persistent neuronal activity of aSP13 neurons and show that it transiently potentiates synaptic transmission from MBγ>M6 neurons. M6 neurons in turn provide input to aSP13 neurons, prolonging potentiation of MBγ>M6 synapses over time periods that match short-term memory. These data support a model in which persistent aSP13 activity within a recurrent circuit lays the foundation for a short-term memory.
Highlights
As animals pursue their goals, their behavioral decisions are shaped by memories that encompass a wide range of time scales: from fleeting working memories relevant to the task at hand, to shortterm and long-term memories of contingencies learned hours, days, or even years in the past
We confirmed the involvement of mushroom body gamma (MBg) and M6 neurons in courtship conditioning by chronically silencing them using cell-type specific GAL4 drivers (Figure 1—figure supplement 1) to express tetanus toxin light chain (UAS-TNT, an inhibitor of synaptic transmission; [Martin et al, 2002])
In this study we have identified and characterized a tripartite MBg>M6>aSP13 recurrent circuit that is essential for courtship memory in Drosophila
Summary
As animals pursue their goals, their behavioral decisions are shaped by memories that encompass a wide range of time scales: from fleeting working memories relevant to the task at hand, to shortterm and long-term memories of contingencies learned hours, days, or even years in the past. Working memory is thought to reflect persistent activity generated within neural networks, including recurrent circuits (Wang, 2001). The neural circuit mechanisms involved in the formation, persistence and transitions between these distinct forms of memory are not fully known. Upon rejection by mated females, they become subsequently less likely to court other mated females (Tompkins, 1984). This selective suppression of courtship towards mated females, called courtship conditioning, can be attributed to the enhanced sensitivity of experienced males to an inhibitory male pheromone deposited on the female during mating, cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA) (Keleman et al, 2012)
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