Neuroligin 3 highlights sexually dimorphic circuitry in Drosophila social spacing.

ABSTRACT: In Drosophila melanogaster, the autism-related Neuroligin 3 (Nlg3) protein is a postsynaptic membrane protein important for synapse development and regulation, which plays a role in social spacing behaviour. Here, we report the localization of Nlg3 to the calyx of the mushroom bodies (MB), optic lobes (OL), and protocerebral bridge (PB). Using RNA interference, nlg3 knockdown in the OL increased fly social space, especially in the males, while knocking down nlg3 independently in the MB or the PB did not change social spacing. However, hyperactivation and silencing of these neurons in the MB, but not the PB, controls social space in males and females, while hyperactivating and silencing of all nlg3-expressing neurons, including within the MB, PB, and OL, regulate

SUBMITTER: Robinson JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12154865 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature