Convergence of multimodal sensory pathways to the mushroom body calyx in Drosophila melanogaster

Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 11:6:29481. doi: 10.1038/srep29481.

Abstract

Detailed structural analyses of the mushroom body which plays critical roles in olfactory learning and memory revealed that it is directly connected with multiple primary sensory centers in Drosophila. Connectivity patterns between the mushroom body and primary sensory centers suggest that each mushroom body lobe processes information on different combinations of multiple sensory modalities. This finding provides a novel focus of research by Drosophila genetics for perception of the external world by integrating multisensory signals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila melanogaster / physiology*
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Mushroom Bodies / physiology*
  • Olfactory Pathways / physiology
  • Optic Lobe, Nonmammalian / physiology
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / physiology*
  • Visual Perception / physiology

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes