Long-term memory controlled by a small group of internal clock neurons in fruit flies

A very limited number of clock neurons in the adult fruit fly brain are essential for long-term memory.

• Neural circuits in the brain regulate behaviors and physiology, posing significant challenges in neuroscience.
• The fruit fly has been utilized to identify specific neural circuits due to the availability of neurogenetic tools.
• Neurons have been identified that control sexual behavior, feeding behavior, and circadian rhythms.
• The clock gene is crucial not only for circadian rhythms but also for long-term memory.
• A small subset of clock neurons is required for the consolidation and maintenance of long-term memory.

Simplified