Novel neuronal network underlying Drosophila olfactory learning and memory

果蝇的嗅觉厌恶条件反射已经成为一个强有力的模型系统，用来阐明记忆形成的分子和神经机制。我设计了一个简单的，低成本的半自动调节装置，它通过计算控制气味和震动的传递。该系统适用于研究嗅觉记忆的形成和检查的条件反射参数的详细程度不实用的手动apparent.To确定一种新的神经元网络的果蝇嗅觉memory.To的基础上，我进行了Gal4增强陷阱筛选，并确定了一对神经元支配的蘑菇体（MB）中的嗅觉记忆编码。来自鉴定的神经元的突触传递的瞬时沉默，我们称它们为PMO神经元，Shibire等人<ts>表明这些神经元特异性地参与（3小时）嗅觉厌恶记忆的后期阶段的形成。嗅觉记忆的早期阶段（1小时）不需要它们。这些数据意味着存在一个用于记忆巩固的神经元回路，其功能在MB下游。

Drosophila olfactory aversive conditioning has served as a powerful model system with which to elucidate the molecular and neuronal mechanisms underlying memory formation. I have devised a simple, low-cost semi-automated conditioning apparatus that computationally controls the delivery of odor and shock. The system is applicable to the study of olfactory memory formation and to the examination of conditioning parameters at a level of detail not practical with a manual apparatus.To identify a novel neuronal network underlying Drosophila olfactory memory, I conducted a Gal4 enhancer-trap screening and identified a pair of neurons innervating onto the mushroom body (MB) in which olfactory memory is encoded. Transient silencing of synaptic transmissions from identified neurons, we call them PMO neurons, with Shibire^<ts> showed that these neurons are specifically involved in the formation of the late stage of (3 hr) olfactory aversive memory. They were not required for the early stage (1 hr) of olfactory memory. These data imply the presence of a neuronal circuit for memory consolidation that function downstream of the MB.