
Distinct sets of interneurons in the central brain and ventral nerve cord sense the male-derived sex peptide to induce the main post-mating responses in female Drosophila, including reduced receptivity to re-mate and increased egg-laying.


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Sex-peptide (SP) transferred during mating induces female post-mating responses including refractoriness to re-mate and increased oviposition in Drosophila . Yet, where SP target neurons reside, remained uncertain. Here we show that expression of membrane-tethered SP (mSP) in the head or trunk either reduces receptivity or increases oviposition, respectively. Using fragments from large regulatory regions of Sex Peptide Receptor , fruitless and doublesex genes together with intersectional expression of mSP, we identified distinct interneurons in the brain and abdominal ganglion controlling receptivity and oviposition. These interneurons can induce post-mating responses through SP received by mating. Trans-synaptic mapping of neuronal connections reveals input from sensory processing neurons and two post-synaptic trajectories as output. Hence, SP target neurons operate as key integrators of sensory information for decision of behavioural outputs. Multi-modularity of SP targets further allows females to adjust SP-mediated male manipulation to physiological state and environmental conditions for maximizing reproductive success.

### Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Sex-peptide targets distinct higher order processing neurons in the brain to induce the female post-mating response

distinct-neuronal-circuits-in-the-brain-and-ventral-nerve-cord-sense-sex-peptide-to-induce-post-mating-responses-in-drosophila-females


Distinct Neuronal Circuits in the Brain and Ventral Nerve Cord Sense Sex Peptide to Induce Post-Mating Responses in Drosophila Females
