Sherer, L.M., Catudio Garrett, E., Morgan, H.R., Brewer, E.D., Sirrs, L.A., Shearin, H.K., Williams, J.L., McCabe, B.D., Stowers, R.S., Certel, S.J. (2020). Octopamine neuron dependent aggression requires dVGLUT from dual-transmitting neurons.  PLoS Genet. 16(2): e1008609.

FBrf0245076

Research paper

Neuromodulators such as monoamines are often expressed in neurons that also release at least one fast-acting neurotransmitter. The release of a combination of transmitters provides both "classical" and "modulatory" signals that could produce diverse and/or complementary effects in associated circuits. Here, we establish that the majority of Drosophila octopamine (OA) neurons are also glutamatergic and identify the individual contributions of each neurotransmitter on sex-specific behaviors. Males without OA display low levels of aggression and high levels of inter-male courtship. Males deficient for dVGLUT solely in OA-glutamate neurons (OGNs) also exhibit a reduction in aggression, but without a concurrent increase in inter-male courtship. Within OGNs, a portion of VMAT and dVGLUT puncta differ in localization suggesting spatial differences in OA signaling. Our findings establish a previously undetermined role for dVGLUT in OA neurons and suggests that glutamate uncouples aggression from OA-dependent courtship-related behavior. These results indicate that dual neurotransmission can increase the efficacy of individual neurotransmitters while maintaining unique functions within a multi-functional social behavior neuronal network.

PMC7059954 (PMC) (EuropePMC)