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Distinct combinations of variant ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate thermosensation and hygrosensation in Drosophila

Authors :
Zachary A Knecht
Ana F Silbering
Lina Ni
Mason Klein
Gonzalo Budelli
Rati Bell
Liliane Abuin
Anggie J Ferrer
Aravinthan DT Samuel
Richard Benton
Paul A Garrity
Source :
eLife, Vol 5 (2016)
Publication Year :
2016
Publisher :
eLife Sciences Publications Ltd, 2016.

Abstract

Ionotropic Receptors (IRs) are a large subfamily of variant ionotropic glutamate receptors present across Protostomia. While these receptors are most extensively studied for their roles in chemosensory detection, recent work has implicated two family members, IR21a and IR25a, in thermosensation in Drosophila. Here we characterize one of the most evolutionarily deeply conserved receptors, IR93a, and show that it is co-expressed and functions with IR21a and IR25a to mediate physiological and behavioral responses to cool temperatures. IR93a is also co-expressed with IR25a and a distinct receptor, IR40a, in a discrete population of sensory neurons in the sacculus, a multi-chambered pocket within the antenna. We demonstrate that this combination of receptors is required for neuronal responses to dry air and behavioral discrimination of humidity differences. Our results identify IR93a as a common component of molecularly and cellularly distinct IR pathways important for thermosensation and hygrosensation in insects.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2050084X
Volume :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
eLife
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1246a5d15cca49b79c7861d2b18d7d0d
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17879