Neural circuitry coordinating male copulation.
Elife
; 52016 11 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27855059
ABSTRACT
Copulation is the goal of the courtship process, crucial to reproductive success and evolutionary fitness. Identifying the circuitry underlying copulation is a necessary step towards understanding universal principles of circuit operation, and how circuit elements are recruited into the production of ordered action sequences. Here, we identify key sex-specific neurons that mediate copulation in Drosophila, and define a sexually dimorphic motor circuit in the male abdominal ganglion that mediates the action sequence of initiating and terminating copulation. This sexually dimorphic circuit composed of three neuronal classes - motor neurons, interneurons and mechanosensory neurons - controls the mechanics of copulation. By correlating the connectivity, function and activity of these neurons we have determined the logic for how this circuitry is coordinated to generate this male-specific behavior, and sets the stage for a circuit-level dissection of active sensing and modulation of copulatory behavior.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Células Receptoras Sensoriales
/
Copulación
/
Drosophila
/
Interneuronas
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Neuronas Motoras
/
Vías Nerviosas
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Elife
Año:
2016
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido