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Analysis of connectivity and timekeeping hierarchy in the circadian clock neuron network of Drosophila
Author(s) -
Shafer Orie Thomas,
Yao Zepeng
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1205.4
Subject(s) - neuroscience , circadian rhythm , drosophila melanogaster , circadian clock , biology , period (music) , neuron , timeless , physics , genetics , gene , acoustics
The objective of this study was to determine the nature and functions of the neuronal connections underlying circadian timekeeping in Drosophila melanogaster . The maintenance of a synchronized clock network requires physiological interactions between distinct classes of clock neurons. Using a new approach to neural circuit interrogation in the adult fly brain we have characterized the connection between the critical ventral lateral pacemaker neurons (LN v s) and the dorsal lateral clock neurons (LN d s). We show that it is a connection that induces cAMP increases in the LN d s and that it has no measurable effects on Ca 2+ levels. This connection is dependent on pigment dispersing factor receptor (PdfR), suggesting that the neuropeptide PDF mediates this connection. To investigate the function of this connection in the control of sleep/activity rhythms, we introduced a range of circadian period discrepancies between the LN v s and the dorsal clock neurons in both wild type and PDF/PdfR mutant and knockdown conditions. We find that the LN v s are capable of setting systemic period over a wide but finite range of periods and that this resetting requires PDF/PdfR. These results reveal the physiological basis and the limits of timekeeping hierarchy in the Drosophila brain. This work was supported by an NIH Pathway to Independence Award (NINDS R00NS62953).