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The genetic basis of natural variation in mushroom body size in Drosophila melanogaster

Author

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  • Liesbeth Zwarts

    (KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
    VIB Center for the Biology of Disease)

  • Lies Vanden Broeck

    (KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
    VIB Center for the Biology of Disease)

  • Elisa Cappuyns

    (KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
    VIB Center for the Biology of Disease)

  • Julien F. Ayroles

    (Program in Genetics and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University
    Present address: Harvard Society of Fellows, 78 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, Massachsetts, 02138, USA)

  • Michael M. Magwire

    (Program in Genetics and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University
    Present address: Syngenta, 3054 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709, USA)

  • Veerle Vulsteke

    (KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
    VIB Center for the Biology of Disease)

  • Jason Clements

    (KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
    VIB Center for the Biology of Disease)

  • Trudy F. C. Mackay

    (Program in Genetics and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University)

  • Patrick Callaerts

    (KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics
    VIB Center for the Biology of Disease)

Abstract

Genetic variation in brain size may provide the basis for the evolution of the brain and complex behaviours. The genetic substrate and the selective pressures acting on brain size are poorly understood. Here we use the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel to map polymorphic variants affecting natural variation in mushroom body morphology. We identify 139 genes and 39 transcription factors and confirm effects on development and adult plasticity. We show correlations between morphology and aggression, sleep and lifespan. We propose that natural variation in adult brain size is controlled by interaction of the environment with gene networks controlling development and plasticity.

Suggested Citation

  • Liesbeth Zwarts & Lies Vanden Broeck & Elisa Cappuyns & Julien F. Ayroles & Michael M. Magwire & Veerle Vulsteke & Jason Clements & Trudy F. C. Mackay & Patrick Callaerts, 2015. "The genetic basis of natural variation in mushroom body size in Drosophila melanogaster," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10115
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10115
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