ppk23-Dependent chemosensory functions contribute to courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

Beika Lu; Angela LaMora; Yishan Sun; Michael J Welsh; Yehuda Ben-Shahar

doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1002587

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ppk23-Dependent chemosensory functions contribute to courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

Journal article

Open access

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ppk23-Dependent chemosensory functions contribute to courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

Beika Lu, Angela LaMora, Yishan Sun, Michael J Welsh and Yehuda Ben-Shahar

PLoS genetics, Vol.8(3), pp.e1002587-e1002587

2012

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002587

PMCID: PMC3305452

PMID: 22438833

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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.

Courtship

Drosophila melanogaster - physiology

Animals, Genetically Modified

Gene Expression Regulation

Ion Channels - genetics

Male

Drosophila Proteins - metabolism

Drosophila melanogaster - genetics

Alkadienes - pharmacology

Sexual Behavior, Animal - physiology

Animals

Ion Channels - metabolism

Female

Taste Perception - genetics

Neurons - metabolism

Drosophila Proteins - genetics

Mutation

Sexual Behavior, Animal - drug effects

Details

Title: Subtitle: ppk23-Dependent chemosensory functions contribute to courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Creators: Beika Lu - Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Angela LaMora
Yishan Sun
Michael J Welsh
Yehuda Ben-Shahar
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: PLoS genetics, Vol.8(3), pp.e1002587-e1002587
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002587
PMID: 22438833
PMCID: PMC3305452
NLM abbreviation: PLoS Genet
ISSN: 1553-7390
eISSN: 1553-7404
Publisher: Public Library Science; United States
Grant note: R03 DC010244-01 / NIDCD NIH HHS R03 DC010244-03 / NIDCD NIH HHS 5R03DC010244 / NIDCD NIH HHS R03 DC010244-02 / NIDCD NIH HHS Howard Hughes Medical Institute R03 DC010244 / NIDCD NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 2012
Academic Unit: Neurology; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; Neurosurgery; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984020746202771

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