Meeting Abstract
Different odors activate distinct combinations of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs).These combinations are decoded by downstream olfactory circuits to drive a variety of olfactory behaviors, including odor-modulation of locomotion.In this study, we will leverage the relative simplicity of the fly’s olfactory system, and the availability of genetic tools to find the relationship between combinations of active ORNs, and the subsequent modulation of locomotion.This study focuses on the 7 ORN classes (out of total 60) that are activated by apple cider vinegar, an odor that is attractive to the fly [1].We employ an optogenetic approach to activate known subsets of these 7 ORN classes to understand the contribution of each ORN class to the modulation of locomotion in a circular arena, whose center is illuminated with light (odor-zone).As the fly enters the odor-zone, a known set of ORNs are activated.We measure how the distribution of flies in the arena is affected by activating different subsets of ORNs, and the motor mechanism underlying this change in distribution. Consistent with the previous study, we find that activating different ORN classes changes different aspects of a fly’s locomotion.By comparing the effect of simultaneously activating multiple ORN classes with that of activating each ORN class individually, we are able to obtain insight into the rules by which ORN activities are integrated to affect behavior.We also make a generative model of behavior (see abstract Tao, Ozarkar, Bhandawat) which allows us to connect ORN activation pattern to the change in motor parameters to the change in the distribution of flies in the arena. References: 1.Jung, S.H., Hueston, C. & Bhandawat,V .Odor identity dependent programs underlie behavioral response to odors. Elife 4, doi: 10.7554/eLife.11092 (2015)
