Objective How does information processing in neural circuits generate behaviour? Answering this question requires identifying each of the distinct neuronal types that contributes to a behaviour, defining their anatomy and connectivity, and establishing causal relationships between their activity, the activity of other neurons in the circuit, and the behaviour. Here, I propose such an analysis of the neural circuits that guide Drosophila mating behaviours. The distinct mating behaviours of males and females are genetically pre-programmed, yet can also be modified by experience. The set of ~2000 neurons that express the fru gene have been intimately linked to both male and female mating behaviours. This set of neurons includes specific sensory, central, and motor neurons, at least some of which are directly connected. Male-specific fruM isoforms configure this circuit developmentally for male rather than female behaviour. In females, mating triggers a biochemical cascade that reconfigures the circuit for post-mating rather than virgin female behaviour. We estimate that there are ~100 distinct classes of fru neuron. Using genetic and optical tools, we aim to identify each distinct class of fru neuron and to define its anatomy and connectivity. By silencing or activating specific neurons, or changing their genetic sex, we will assess their contributions to male and female behaviours, and how these perturbations impinge on activity patterns in other fru neurons. We also aim to define how a specific experience can modify the physiological properties of these circuits, and how these changes in turn modulate mating behaviour. These studies will define the operating principles of these neural circuits, contributing to a molecules-to-systems explanation of Drosophila s mating behaviours. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicineanatomy and morphologynatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing Keywords Drosophila Neural circuits behaviour genetics imaging photoactivation Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-LS5 - ERC Advanced Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Call for proposal ERC-2008-AdG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Coordinator FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FUR MOLEKULARE PATHOLOGIE GESELLSCHAFT MBH Address Campus-vienna-biocenter 1 1030 Wien Austria See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Principal investigator Barry Dickson (Dr.) Administrative Contact Tanja Winkler (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 2 492 164,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FUR MOLEKULARE PATHOLOGIE GESELLSCHAFT MBH Austria EU contribution € 2 492 164,00 Address Campus-vienna-biocenter 1 1030 Wien See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Principal investigator Barry Dickson (Dr.) Administrative Contact Tanja Winkler (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window
