Anatomical mapping of behavioral circuits

One of the most powerful techniques available for the study of the molecular basis of behavior is the ability to generate animals with tissue-specific disruptions of second messenger pathways. Using the GAL4/UAS system, we have been able to make a map of the anatomical location of neurons that require CaMKII for both the decrement of mated female courtship during training and for post-training memory (Joiner and Griffith, 1999). We have looked at the role of the mushroom bodies in both the decrement of courtship during training and memory of conditioning. Expression of the peptide in all three lobes of the mushroom body blocks memory but not decrement during training. This effect is primarily attributable to the role of the g lobes of the mushroom body. Lines that have exclusive g lobe expression block memory, while lines that express only in a and b lobes have a partial memory phenotype. The central complex and parts of the lateral protocerebrum were also found to be important for associative memory. The response to the mated female during training was found to be most sensitive to inhibition of CaMKII in the a subset of lateral protocerebrum neurons and antennal lobes. These data support the idea that the behavior during training and memory formation are occurring in anatomically distinct circuits, both of which use CaMKII-dependent processes.

Additional behavior topics:

• Courtship conditioning
• Anatomical mapping of behavioral circuits
• Bidirectional modulation of behavior with CaMKII
• Dissection of the chemical cues underlying courtship learning
• Motor Behaviors

 

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