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Khorbtli, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Khorbtli, S..

2 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2026

Saline-free preparation for chronic in vivo imaging in adult Drosophila

Longitudinal brain imaging is essential for understanding neural mechanisms. Here, we present a saline-free, chronic preparation for repeated neural recording in adult Drosophila over multiple days. We describe steps for mounting flies, performing manual surgery on the head cuticle without external saline, and resealing the opening to create a transparent optical window. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by tracking single-neuron spiking and neuronal calcium dynamics over 7-10 days. This protocol is potentially applicable to other insect species. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=173 SRC="FIGDIR/small/706199v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (51K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@abeb34org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@deaf93org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1d8fc24org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@91a696_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

neuroscience↗
bioRxiv2025

Lifelong maintenance of locomotion by embryonically active dopamine neurons

Locomotor skills arise early in life and are maintained throughout an animals lifespan, yet how this continuity is achieved despite major neural remodeling remains unclear. Using Drosophila, which undergoes complete metamorphosis, we show that the activity of embryonically established dopamine neurons (DANs) is essential for locomotion across all developmental stages and adulthood. Through stage-specific behavioral assays, optogenetics, in vivo brain imaging, and fluorescent neuronal tracking, we identify a subset of ventral nervous system (VNS) DANs that modulate locomotor function throughout life. Transcriptomic analyses reveal that they maintain expression of developmental transcription factors. Knocking down these factors, particularly Antp and Pdm2, in post-mitotic VNS DANs reduces neurite arborization and impairs adult locomotion. These findings uncover a previously overlooked function for embryonic DANs and suggest that stable locomotion during nervous system maturation relies on persistent developmental regulator expression coupled with structural remodeling.

neuroscience↗