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Single-Gene Switch Rewires Fruit Fly Brains to Transfer Gift-Giving Courtship

The study shows that modest gene expression tweaks can repurpose metabolic neurons to create new mating displays

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