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Aversive learning hijacks a brain sugar sensor to consolidate memory
Raquel Francés1, Typhaine Comyn1, Coraline Desnous1
1Energy & Memory, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
Nature
|March 26, 2026
Summary
Fruit sugar sensors in the Drosophila brain are crucial for memory consolidation. This research reveals how these sensors influence feeding behavior and memory, offering insights into emotional eating.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Food-related memory formation relies on nutrient sensing after ingestion.
- The role of nutrient sensors beyond feeding behavior remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of an internal sugar sensor in the Drosophila brain for memory consolidation.
- To explore the mechanism by which nutrient sensors influence behavior independent of direct food cues.
Main Methods:
- Utilized appetitive and aversive learning tasks in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Investigated the function of fructose-sensing neurons and their regulation via disinhibition.
- Examined the role of thyrostimulin in memory consolidation.
Main Results:
- A brain sugar sensor in Drosophila is involved in memory consolidation across different learning tasks.
- Spaced learning sessions induce a fasted state in fructose-sensing neurons, restoring sensing ability.
- Post-learning sugar intake activates these neurons, triggering memory consolidation via thyrostimulin release.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a neural circuit for non-homeostatic hunger crucial for memory consolidation.
- Demonstrates a link between nutrient sensing, memory, and feeding behavior, akin to emotional eating.
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