Sex-peptide targets distinct higher order processing neurons in the brain to induce the female post-mating response

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.98283
• Publication Date: 2024-07-23T15:39:31Z
• Authors: Mohanakarthik P N...; Deepanshu ND Singh; Mohammed Syahir R...; Matthias Soller
• Keywords: Doublesex; Receptivity

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 (mSP) the head or trunk either reduces receptivity increases oviposition, respectively. Using fragments from large regulatory regions Sex Peptide Receptor , fruitless doublesex genes together with intersectional mSP, identified distinct interneurons brain abdominal ganglion controlling oviposition. These can induce through received by mating. Trans-synaptic mapping neuronal connections reveals input sensory processing two post-synaptic trajectories as output. Hence, operate key integrators information for decision behavioural outputs. Multi-modularity targets further allows females adjust SP-mediated male manipulation physiological state environmental conditions maximizing reproductive success.