2009 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Novel neuronal network underlying Drosophila olfactory learning and memory
| Project/Area Number |
20700283
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Field |
Neuroscience in general
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| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
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Principal Investigator |
MURAKAMI Satoshi The University of Tokyo, 分子細胞生物学研究所, 助教 (10463902)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2008 – 2009
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| Keywords | 分子 / 細胞神経科学 |
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| Research Abstract |
Drosophila olfactory aversive conditioning has served as a powerful model system with which to elucidate the molecular and neuronal mechanisms underlying memory formation. I have devised a simple, low-cost semi-automated conditioning apparatus that computationally controls the delivery of odor and shock. The system is applicable to the study of olfactory memory formation and to the examination of conditioning parameters at a level of detail not practical with a manual apparatus.
To identify a novel neuronal network underlying Drosophila olfactory memory, I conducted a Gal4 enhancer-trap screening and identified a pair of neurons innervating onto the mushroom body (MB) in which olfactory memory is encoded. Transient silencing of synaptic transmissions from identified neurons, we call them PMO neurons, with Shibire^<ts> showed that these neurons are specifically involved in the formation of the late stage of (3 hr) olfactory aversive memory. They were not required for the early stage (1 hr) of olfactory memory. These data imply the presence of a neuronal circuit for memory consolidation that function downstream of the MB.
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