Full text is available at the source.
Identification of a Circadian Output Circuit for Rest:Activity Rhythms in Drosophila
A daily activity control circuit for rest and movement rhythms in fruit flies
AI simplified
Abstract
Six specific DH44+ pars intercerebralis cells in Drosophila are critical for regulating rest:activity rhythms.
- Circadian output pathways linking clock cells to behaviors have not been fully characterized before this analysis.
- The pars intercerebralis (PI) neurons, similar in function to the mammalian hypothalamus, are identified as key components of the circadian output pathway.
- A polysynaptic circuit connects pacemaker cells to PI neurons, allowing communication between the circadian clock and locomotor activity.
- Molecular profiling indicates that the molecule DH44, a homolog of corticotropin-releasing factor, is specifically produced by PI neurons.
- Activation or removal of just six DH44+ PI cells can disrupt normal rest:activity rhythms.
AI simplified