Visualizing Long-Term Memory Formation in Two Neurons of the Drosophila Brain

Long-term memory (LTM) consolidation, storage, and retrieval involve dorsal-anterior-lateral (DAL) neurons in Drosophila.

• Inhibition of protein synthesis in DAL neurons impaired LTM, while the mushroom body, known for learning and memory, was not affected.
• Direct visualization indicated that specific genes were activated in DAL neurons following spaced training but not massed training.
• Blocking neural output in DAL neurons during memory retrieval led to impaired memory retention, but this did not occur during acquisition or consolidation.
• These findings indicate that DAL neurons are involved in multiple phases of memory processing, suggesting an additional memory circuit outside the mushroom body.

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