Glia Cells in Fruit Flies Endure Negative Stimuli

Written by: Alexander Chau and Naveed Tabatabaii

Introduction

In this study, a Fruit Fly is put into multiple scenarios dealing with different odors. Specific odors administer a negative response in the form of an electrical jolt. This study studies mushroom bodies (MB), brain cells that correlate with the ability of learning and memorization, and shocks will be administered to condition the fruit flies on avoiding a specific odor. The issue is that data is uncertain when testing these MB’s when the odor information transfers the neurons from the cells used for smelling to the MB. However, dopaminergic (DA) trails have been looked at as the possible key to obtaining this information due to its ability to strengthen memory. Also, recent assessments show the fusion of a neurotransmitter and a Glu receptor (NMDAR) help reinforce shock info to the MB, whereas DA reinforces memory.

Methodology

Glu receptors are a necessary tool for memorization in MB’s. However, it has been apparent that amino acids (Glue) release has been rare. The reason why some believe that is the case is because there is an undetected or unidentified part of the transmitting process of negative shock waves into memory development. Tests will now try to look at memorization in Fruit Flies by looking at a glucose transporter called VGLUT and see if it functions.

Results

The newly identified glucose transmitter called DVGLUT2 is based on a species ancestry. Rather than being correlated with neurons, it associates itself by being transmitted through a debris cleaning vesicle called EG that surrounds the MB’s. Electrical shocks release Glu and other unnecessary nutrients from the MB’s. If the receptor is connected with the released amino acids and since it consists of magnesium ions, it will prohibit any gateway for the calcium ions to enter the MB’s. Instead, these amino acids bind to kainate receptors, which helps insert calcium ions on the DA, which then goes onto transporting to the MB’s. While not necessary, it assists in preventing any abnormal learning patterns.

Conclusion

After multiple tests and studying Fruit Flies, the results showed that the shocks result in two ways. One way released Glu onto the MB neurons and the other result released on the DA neurons through negative reinforcement. For the Glu released onto the MB, it worked in coalition to sense and learn which odors release aversive stimuli. In conclusion, the data collected implies that Glu release helps deliver negative feedback for the fly to break down. It also helps separate negative and positive reinforcement for memory.

Citation

Miyashita, T., Murakami, K., Kikuchi, E., Ofusa, K., Mikami, K., Endo, K., … Saitoe, M. (2023). Glia transmit negative valence information during aversive learning in            drosophila. Science, 382(6677). doi:10.1126/science.adf7429