Abstract
Animal behaviors are orchestrated by integration sensory information and activation of specific nerve cells. Interneuron creates neural circuits, enabling communication between sensory or motor neurons and the central nervous system (CNS). To investigate the function of these circuits, we have developed an automated laser tracking and optogenetic manipulation system (ALTOMS) for acute and effective optogenetic manipulation in the activities of target neurons followed by real-time behavior analysis of freely-moving Drosophila adults. Combination with optogenetic tools, the behavioral screen was established by expressing red activatable channelrhodopsin (ReaChR) to activate subsets of neurons. In my study, 429 Gal4 drivers were screened by laser irradiation on specific body parts (head, thorax or abdomen) in freely moving adult flies, and 26 different kinds of motor programs were classified according to somites. In the present study, we focused on analyzing the neural circuits of spinning behaviors when the laser irradiated on head or thorax of the VT25996-Gal4>UAS-ReaChR flies. To identify neurons which manipulate spinning behaviors, I found that a candidate single neuron might be involved by using flip out technique. The results of behavioral screen and anatomy analysis will allow us to construct a neuro-behavioral map in Drosophila.