Elucidating the neural circuitry underlying social spacing in Drosophila melanogaster through the lens of neuroligin 3
Abstract
Social interactions among animals can be complex, and abnormal social behaviours may result in negative fitness consequences for both the individual displaying them, and the entire group. To understand the neural basis of complex social behaviour, we can study simpler behaviours that precede and mediate them. Social spacing, the typical distance between individuals in a group, is an easily quantifiable behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster. Here, I investigated the neural circuitry underlying social spacing through the lens of Autism-candidate gene neuroligin 3. Based on the Nlg3 enrichment pattern in adult fly brains, I hypothesized that nlg3-expressing neurons, along with the mushroom bodies and protocerebral bridge, were involved in this behaviour. I determined that all the aforementioned structures are involved, and there is likely sexual dimorphism in this neural circuitry. This research contributes to understanding the role Nlg3 plays in social spacing and reveals more routes of neural connectivity to be investigated.