GABA-mediated inhibition in visual feedback neurons fine-tunesDrosophilamale courtship

Abstract

SUMMARYVision is critical for the regulation of mating behaviors in many species. Here, we discovered that theDrosophilaortholog of human GABAA-receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is required to fine-tune male courtship by modulating the activity of visual feedback neurons, lamina tangential cells (Lat). GABARAP is a ubiquitin-like protein that regulates cell-surface levels of GABAAreceptors. Knocking downGABARAPorGABAAreceptorsin Lat neurons or hyperactivating them induces male courtship toward other males. Inhibiting Lat neurons, on the other hand, delays copulation by impairing the ability of males to follow females. Remarkably, the human ortholog ofDrosophilaGABARAP restores function in Lat neurons. Usingin vivotwo-photon imaging and optogenetics, we show that Lat neurons are functionally connected to neural circuits that mediate visually-guided courtship pursuits in males. Our work reveals a novel physiological role for GABARAP in fine-tuning the activity of a visual circuit that tracks a mating partner during courtship.