Networks of sexually dimorphic neurons that regulate social behaviors in Drosophila

Rubin, G. M.; Managan, C.; Dreher, M.; Kim, E.; Miller, S.; Boone, K.; Robie, A.; Taylor, A. L.; Branson, K.; Schretter, C. E.; Otopalik, A. G.

doi:10.1101/2025.10.21.683766

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.10.21.683766

Networks of sexually dimorphic neurons that regulate social behaviors in Drosophila

Rubin, G. M.·Managan, C.·Dreher, M.·Kim, E.·Miller, S.·Boone, K.·Robie, A.·Taylor, A. L.·Branson, K.·Schretter, C. E.·Otopalik, A. G.

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Abstract

Neural mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic social behaviors remain enigmatic in most species. In Drosophila, sexually dimorphic P1/pC1x neurons have been described as a site of sensory integration that regulates mating and aggressive behaviors. We show that the male P1/pC1x population forms a highly intertwined network with male-specific mAL and aSP-a neurons that is poised to regulate male behavior. The 48 P1/pC1x cell types exhibit heterogeneous synaptic connections with a subset receiving strong input from identified sensory pathways. We also describe circuit motifs by which P1 and sexually dimorphic aIPg neurons co-regulate social behaviors. Genetic driver lines for these cell types were generated and used to discover distinct roles for P1/pC1x cell types in promoting social acoustic signaling and male-male interactions. Our results reveal unexpected diversity in the connectivity and behavioral roles of the P1/pC1x cell types and provide essential genetic tools for interrogating their neurophysiological and behavioral functions.

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Rubin, G. M., Managan, C., Dreher, M., Kim, E., Miller, S., Boone, K., Robie, A., Taylor, A. L., Branson, K., Schretter, C. E., Otopalik, A. G.. 2025-10-22. Networks of sexually dimorphic neurons that regulate social behaviors in Drosophila. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.21.683766

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