Neural Circuits for Sex and Memory in the Fly

We study how sensory information is transformed into behaviour in the fly brain. We have a strong focus on the olfactory system, because olfaction is a relatively shallow sense: just two synapses separate the sensory periphery from neurons that form olfactory memories or initiate innate olfactory behaviours.

Neuroscience in the fly is currently being transformed by the availability of connectomes, synaptic resolution wiring diagrams. We have played leading roles in two large collaborations, that have recently generated and analysed of separate (female) brain and (male) nerve cord connectomes for the fly. These are the first complete connectomes for animals with eyes, legs and complex cognitive and motor behaviours. Furthermore, we are in the closing stages of completing a male CNS. This is enabling comparative connectomics, allowing us to identify sex differences across the brain. We are also developing new approaches to overlay molecular information about neurons onto the connectome using computational and experimental approaches.

Together, these resources offer rich opportunities to understand the circuit basis of behaviour. We are investigating the circuit logic of innate behaviours, especially sexually dimorphic behaviours dependent on pheromones. We are also interested in how learned behaviours interact with and modify innate behavioural responses. Finally, we are following the transformations from sensory input, multimodal integration to descending control of motor behaviour.

We have active projects in each of these areas and many new avenues are opening up. We encourage any student fascinated by the synaptic, neuronal and network basis of behaviour to apply. This includes not just biologists and neuroscientists but also computer scientists and physicists.