Expression is observed in neuropeptide F receptor-positive neurons.
Acute thermogenetic activation (using TrpA1Scer\UAS.cUa at 29[o]C) of Scer\GAL4NPFR.6.6 neurons results in a significant decrease of sleep amount (especially during the 12hr dark phases), compared to controls. This short-sleep phenotype progressively declines with prolonged activation, particularly during the light phase.
Inhibition of neural activity in Scer\GAL4NPFR.6.6-expressing neurons does not affect sensitivity to (S,Z,Z)-CH503 (a more potent stereoisomer of the gustatory sex pheromone CH503). As in wild type flies, courtship defects are seen in response to (S,Z,Z)-CH503.
Scer\GAL4NPFR.6.6/Ns3UAS.Venus fails to rescue Ns3G0431