Synaptic targets of circadian clock neurons influence core clock parameters.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal connectivity in the circadian clock network is essential for robust endogenous timekeeping. In the Drosophila circadian clock network, the small ventral lateral neurons (sLN_vs) serve as critical pacemakers. Peptidergic communication mediated by the neuropeptide Pigment Dispersing Factor (PDF), released by sLN_vs, has been well characterized. In contrast, little is known about the role of the synaptic connections that sLN_vs form with downstream neurons. Connectomic analyses revealed that the sLN_vs form strong synaptic connections with previously uncharacterized neurons called superior lateral protocerebrum 316 (SLP316). Here, we show that silencing the synaptic output from the SLP316 neurons via tetanus toxin expression short

SUBMITTER: Scholz-Carlson E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12407047 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature