Daily timing of fly emergence controlled by interaction between brain and body clocks in Drosophila

The prothoracic gland (PG) in Drosophila melanogaster contains a functional clock essential for normal eclosion rhythms.

• Drosophila display circadian rhythms with an endogenous period of approximately 24 hours.
• The lateral neurons (LNs) of the brain are known to control rest:activity rhythms, but do not drive eclosion rhythms.
• A functional clock in the prothoracic gland is required for normal eclosion timing.
• Eclosion rhythms depend on the presence of LNs, indicating a connection between central and peripheral clocks.
• Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is necessary for both the PG clock and the regulation of eclosion rhythms.

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