Multisite imaging of neural activity using a genetically encoded calcium sensor in the honey bee

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001984
• Publication Date: 2023-01-31T18:32:55Z
• Authors: Julie Carcaud; Marianne Otte; Bernd Grünewald; Albrecht Haase; Jean-Christophe S...; Martin Beye
• Keywords: Antennal lobe; Mushroom bodies; Calcium imaging; Neural coding; Stimulus modality

Understanding of the neural bases for complex behaviors in Hymenoptera insect species has been limited by a lack tools that allow measuring neuronal activity simultaneously different brain regions. Here, we developed first pan-neuronal genetic driver Hymenopteran model organism, honey bee, and expressed calcium indicator GCaMP6f under control bee synapsin promoter. We show is widely brain, allowing to record from multiple To assess power this tool, focused on olfactory system, recording simultaneous responses antennal lobe, more poorly investigated lateral horn (LH) mushroom body (MB) calyces. Neural 16 distinct odorants demonstrate odorant quality (chemical structure) quantity are faithfully encoded lobe. In contrast, odor coding LH departs simple physico-chemical coding, supporting role structure biological value odorants. further robust several pheromone odorants, key drivers social behavior, LH. Combined, these recordings represent use neurogenetic tool large-scale eusocial will be utility assessing underpinnings other sensory modalities cognitive abilities.