Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
ppk23-Dependent Chemosensory Functions Contribute to Courtship Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. |
| Authors: |
Lu, Beika1, LaMora, Angela1, Sun, Yishan2, Welsh, Michael J.3, Ben-Shahar, Yehuda1 benshahary@wustl.edu |
| Source: |
PLoS Genetics. Mar2012, Vol. 8 Issue 3, Special section p1-13. 13p. 2 Color Photographs, 5 Graphs. |
| Subject Terms: |
*DROSOPHILA melanogaster, *DROSOPHILA, *SODIUM channels, *ION channels, *GENES |
| Abstract: |
Insects utilize diverse families of ion channels to respond to environmental cues and control mating, feeding, and the response to threats. Although degenerin/epithelial sodium channels (DEG/ENaC) represent one of the largest families of ion channels in Drosophila melanogaster, the physiological functions of these proteins are still poorly understood. We found that the DEG/ENaC channel ppk23 is expressed in a subpopulation of sexually dimorphic gustatory-like chemosensory bristles that are distinct from those expressing feeding-related gustatory receptors. Disrupting ppk23 or inhibiting activity of ppk23-expressing neurons did not alter gustatory responses. Instead, blocking ppk23-positive neurons or mutating the ppk23 gene delayed the initiation and reduced the intensity of male courtship. Furthermore, mutations in ppk23 altered the behavioral response of males to the female-specific aphrodisiac pheromone 7(Z), 11(Z)-Heptacosadiene. Together, these data indicate that ppk23 and the cells expressing it play an important role in the peripheral sensory system that determines sexual behavior in Drosophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
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