| Title: |
Sex peptide targets distinct higher order processing neurons in the brain to induce the female post-mating response |
| Authors: |
Nallasivan, Mohanakarthik P; Singh, Deepanshu ND; Sahir, Mohammed Syahir RS; Soller, Matthias |
| Source: |
eLife ; volume 13 ; ISSN 2050-084X |
| Publisher Information: |
eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Collection: |
eLife (E-Journal - via CrossRef) |
| Description: |
Sex peptide (SP) transferred during mating induces female post-mating responses including refractoriness to re-mate and increased oviposition in Drosophila . Yet, where SP-target neurons reside remained uncertain. Here, we show that expression of membrane-tethered SP (mSP) predominantly in the head or trunk either reduces receptivity or increases oviposition, respectively. Using fragments from large regulatory regions of Sex Peptide Receptor , fruitless, and doublesex genes together with intersectional expression of mSP, we identified distinct interneurons in the brain and abdominal ganglion controlling receptivity and oviposition. These SP response-inducing neurons (SPRINz) can induce post-mating responses through SP received by mating. Trans-synaptic mapping of neuronal connections reveals input from sensory processing neurons and two post-synaptic trajectories as output. Hence, SP-target neurons operate as key integrators of sensory information for decision-making of behavioural outputs. Multi-modularity of SP-targets further allows females to adjust SP-mediated male manipulation to physiological state and environmental conditions for maximising reproductive success. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.7554/elife.98283.3 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.98283.3; https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/98283/elife-98283-v1.pdf; https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/98283/elife-98283-v1.xml; https://elifesciences.org/articles/98283 |
| Rights: |
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.78AF91C0 |
| Database: |
BASE |