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Robustness and plasticity in Drosophila heat avoidance.
José Miguel Simões1, Joshua I Levy2, Emanuela E Zaharieva1
1Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
Nature Communications
|April 7, 2021
Summary
Fruit flies exhibit surprising flexibility in avoiding heat, demonstrating rapid learning and decision-making. This innate behavior, crucial for survival, is more complex than previously understood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Sensory Biology
Background:
- Innate behaviors are typically considered rigid and predetermined.
- Understanding the plasticity of simple behaviors provides insight into fundamental biological mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasticity of heat avoidance behavior in Drosophila.
- To identify the neural and molecular underpinnings of thermotaxis in flies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution fly tracking and 3D thermal environment simulation.
- Employed live calcium imaging to monitor neural activity.
- Developed a Braitenberg vehicle model based on experimental measurements.
Main Results:
- Hot receptor neurons and the Gr28B.d sensor are critical for heat-induced escape turns.
- Minute temperature differences (0.1-1°C) between antennae guide escape direction.
- Calcium imaging confirmed activation of thermosensory neurons and central circuits by small thermal stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Drosophila heat avoidance is a plastic behavior, not simply hard-wired.
- Fly thermotaxis involves decision-making and rapid learning, surpassing simple Braitenberg vehicle models.
- This study reveals complex behavioral adaptations in response to thermal stimuli.
