About 150 clock neurons are clustered in different groups in the brain of Drosophila. Among these clock neurons, some pigment-dispersing factor (PDF)-positive and PDF-negative lateral neurons (LNs) are principal oscillators responsible for bouts of activity in the morning and evening, respectively. The full complement of neurotransmitters in these morning and evening oscillators is not known. By using a screen for candidate neuromediators in clock neurons, we discovered ion transport peptide (ITP) and short neuropeptide F (sNPF) as novel neuropeptides in subpopulations of dorsal (LN(d)s) and ventral (s-LN(v)s) LNs. Among the six LN(d)s, ITP was found in one that coexpresses long neuropeptide F (NPF) and cryptochrome. We detected sNPF in two LN(d)s that also express cryptochrome; these cells are distinct from three LN(d)s expressing NPF. Thus, we have identified neuropeptides in five of the six LN(d)s. The three LN(d)s expressing cryptochrome, with either ITP or sNPF, are the only ones with additional projections to the accessory medulla. Among the five s-LN(v)s in the adult brain, ITP was detected in the fifth neuron that is devoid of PDF and sNPF in the four neurons that also express PDF. By using a choline acetyltransferase (Cha) Gal4, we detected Cha expression in the two sNPF producing LN(d)s and in the fifth s-LN(v). In the larval brain, two of the four PDF-producing s-LN(v)s coexpress sNPF. Our findings emphasize that the LN(d)s are heterogeneous both anatomically and with respect to content of neuropeptides, cryptochrome, and other markers and suggest diverse functions of these neurons.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.