Overview
- A peer-reviewed paper in Science reports that activating the male-specific FruM protein in insulin-producing neurons of D. melanogaster reconfigured neural wiring to evoke nuptial gift giving
- FruM induction drove neurite overgrowth and formed functional synapses linking feeding-related IPCs to established courtship centers in the fly brain
- Modified D. melanogaster males displayed increased regurgitation during courtship and gained a measurable mating advantage in female choice tests
- Researchers identified 16–18 FruM-expressing insulin-producing neurons in the pars intercerebralis of D. subobscura as critical nodes for natural gift-giving behavior
- Materials and genetic constructs are available on request and the authors report no competing interests