By Nicholas Sangvai, Jinchen Wen, Joanna Kang, Walter Kornfeld, Talia Penn

Duke University

https://doi.org/10.55894/dv4.12

Abstract

Using the FlyWire connectome, we conducted a comparative analysis of olfactory pathways in the female Drosophila melanogaster brain to investigate the relationship between neuronal structure, connectivity, and behavioral function. Our findings confirmed functional segregation at early neuronal levels and revealed conserved higher-order connectivity across attractive pheromonal and aversive food-odorant pathways, with distinct differences for the Ir64a receptor, potentially linked to its role as an acid-sensing ionotropic receptor. Connectivity to serotonergic, dopaminergic, insulin-producing, and circadian circuits highlighted potential roles in mediating innate and social behaviors, such as mating and aggression. While the static nature of the Drosophila connectome limits insights into developmental and sex-specific variations, this study provides a foundation for future research into connectomics and the structural and connective bases of behavior.