Mapping the Fruit Fly Brain Uncovers Sex-Specific Neural Differences

Recent groundbreaking research from Leipzig University and collaborating institutions has provided an extensive map of the neural network within the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). This study, published in the journal Nature, is the first to detail the complete neural pathways spanning both the brain and ventral nerve cord—the fly's equivalent of the spinal cord—in adult specimens.

Traditionally, scientific data on the fruit fly’s connectome have been limited to partial regions, often ending at the neck area due to technical hurdles. However, the team led by Dr. Katharina Eichler succeeded in identifying and analyzing the neurons forming the neural circuits in the neck connectives, which are crucial for communication between the brain and nerve cord. They examined one female and one male nerve cord connectome, along with a female brain, revealing for the first time the differences in neural wiring between sexes.

The researchers discovered previously unknown neurons that exist exclusively in one sex, providing insights into the biological basis of sex-specific behaviors. For instance, they found that a descending neuron called aSP22 interacts with female-specific neurons, which could explain behavioral differences such as egg-laying in females and mating postures in males.

This comprehensive neural map serves as a vital tool for scientists, offering a detailed 'roadmap' that can guide future research into individual neurons and circuits. By overcoming previous technical limitations, the team is now working on additional datasets covering the entire central nervous system of both male and female flies, paving the way for deeper understanding of neural functions and sex-based neural architecture.

The findings significantly advance our knowledge of neural connectivity in model organisms and open new avenues for studying neurobiological underpinnings of behavior. For more details, see the publication in Nature: [doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08925-z].

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-roadmap-fruit-fly-brain-reveals.html