Specific subgroups of FruM neurons control sexually dimorphic patterns of aggression in Drosophila melanogaster.

ABSTRACT: A great challenge facing neuroscience is to understand how genes, molecules, cells, circuits, and systems interact to generate social behavior. Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) offer a powerful model system to address questions of this magnitude. These animals display genetically specified, sexually dimorphic patterns of fighting behavior via sex-specific splicing of the fruitless gene. Here, we show that sexually dimorphic behavioral patterns displayed during aggression are controlled by specific subgroups of neurons expressing male forms of fruitless proteins (Fru(M)). Using the GAL4/UAS system to manipulate transformer expression, we feminized or masculinized different populations of neurons in fly nervous systems. With a panneuronal elav-GAL4 driver, male patterns of fighting beha

SUBMITTER: Chan YB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2148331 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature