Experience-driven changes in mating behavior rely on SIFamide-related plasticity in male-specific inhibitory brain cells

SIFaR is essential for male sexual behavior, particularly influencing courtship index and mating duration.

• Knockdown of SIFaR in fru-positive neurons impairs courtship index and mating duration but does not affect copulation latency.
• SIFaR in GABAergic mAL neurons specifically regulates mating duration and courtship index, without impacting copulation latency.
• SIFa signaling in mAL neurons of experienced males is associated with an increase in presynaptic terminals, suggesting synaptic plasticity.
• The interaction between SIFa and SIFaR indicates a complex role in modulating male behavior through specific neuronal pathways.

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