Mallick, A., Tan, H.L., Epstein, J.M., Jing Ng, C.M., Cook, O.M., Gaudry, Q., Dacks, A.M. (2024). Serotonin acts through multiple cellular targets during an olfactory critical period. iScience 27(11): 111083.
FlyBase ID
FBrf0260943
Publication Type
Research paper
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) modulates early development during critical periods when experience drives heightened levels of plasticity in neurons. Here, we investigate the cellular mechanisms by which 5-HT modulates critical period plasticity (CPP) in the olfactory system of Drosophila. We first demonstrate that 5-HT is necessary for experience-dependent structural plasticity in response to chronic CO2 exposure and can re-open the critical period long after it normally closes. Knocking down 5-HT7 receptors in a subset of GABAergic local interneurons was sufficient to block CPP, as was knocking down GABA receptors expressed by CO2-sensing olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Furthermore, direct modulation of OSNs via 5-HT2B receptors in CO2-sensing OSNs and autoreceptor expression by serotonergic neurons was also required for CPP. Thus, 5-HT targets individual neuron types in the olfactory system via distinct receptors to enable sensory driven plasticity.
