A pair of dopaminergic neurons DAN-c1 mediate <i>Drosophila</i> larval aversive olfactory learning through D2-like receptors.

ABSTRACT: The intricate relationship between the dopaminergic system and olfactory associative learning in Drosophila has been an intense scientific inquiry. Leveraging the formidable genetic tools, we conducted a screening of 57 dopaminergic drivers, leading to the discovery of DAN-c1 driver, uniquely targeting a pair of dopaminergic neurons (DAN) in the larval brain. While the involvement of excitatory D1-like receptors is well-established, the role of D2-like receptors (D2Rs) remains underexplored. Our investigation reveals the expression of D2Rs in both DANs and the mushroom body (MB) of third instar larval brains. Silencing D2Rs in DAN-c1 via microRNA disrupts aversive learning, further supported by optogenetic activation of DAN-c1 during training, affirming the inhibitory role of D2R au

SUBMITTER: Qi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10827047 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature