Prince, E., Kretzschmar, J., Trautenberg, L.C., Broschk, S., Brankatschk, M. (2021). DIlp7-Producing Neurons Regulate Insulin-Producing Cells in Drosophila.  Front. Physiol. 12(): 630390.

FBrf0250164

Research paper

Cellular Insulin signaling shows a remarkable high molecular and functional conservation. Insulin-producing cells respond directly to nutritional cues in circulation and receive modulatory input from connected neuronal networks. Neuronal control integrates a wide range of variables including dietary change or environmental temperature. Although it is shown that neuronal input is sufficient to regulate Insulin-producing cells, the physiological relevance of this network remains elusive. In Drosophila melanogaster, Insulin-like peptide7-producing neurons are wired with Insulin-producing cells. We found that the former cells regulate the latter to facilitate larval development at high temperatures, and to regulate systemic Insulin signaling in adults feeding on calorie-rich food lacking dietary yeast. Our results demonstrate a role for neuronal innervation of Insulin-producing cells important for fruit flies to survive unfavorable environmental conditions.

PMC8353279 (PMC) (EuropePMC)