Neuromodulation of aggression behavior by Neuropeptide-F in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Neuromessenger proteins such as Neuropeptide-F (NPF) have been linked to aggression in animals such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. To better understand NPF’s influence on aggression, we investigated the direct effects of NPF release on fly fighting aggression behaviors. Utilizing targeted gene-expression techniques that can be confirmed via antibody- based immunohistochemical tissue analysis, we created a transgenic line of flies with light- inducible ion channels in NPF-secreting cells. Upon confirmation, utilizing optogenetic tools we performed fly fight bioassays in a ring with limited food to see the direct effects of NPF on aggression through light activation. The results of this study suggest the secretion of NPF impinges upon aggression circuits enough to depress aggression levels in flies.