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The Neural Circuit Basis of Olfactory Navigation in Adult Drosophila

Award Number: R01NS127129
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/15/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2027

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The Neural Circuit Basis of Olfactory Navigation in Adult Drosophila - PROJECT SUMMARY In order to forage effectively for food, the brain must integrate innate and learned information about the value of different food odors and use this information to select navigational motor programs. Although a great deal is known about how the brain computes the value of odor stimuli, how it uses this information to guide navigation remains mysterious. Here we propose to investigate the role of a conserved navigation center, the fan-shaped body (FB), in olfactory navigation. The FB receives a large number of inputs that are anatomically downstream of innate and learned olfactory processing centers. We have identified several lines labeling such inputs that respond to attractive odor and drive upwind orientation when activated. Here we will use whole-cell electrophysiology and imaging to investigate the representation of innate and learned odor value signals in FB input neurons. By combining these functional data with detailed connectomic information, we will generate quantitative models that relate sensory representations to anatomical connectivity. Next we will use both synchronous and asynchronous recordings to measure and model the relationship between FB neuron activity and navigational action selection. Finally, we will develop a new optogenetic plume assay that will allow us to determine the role of FB neurons in different aspects of odor plume navigation. Together these experiments and models will generate testable predictions about how the organization of central navigation circuits supports a critical goal-directed behavior, odor-guided food search.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $692,049 )
2025	2025	NEW YORK UNIVERSITY	550 1ST AVE	NEW YORK	NY	10016	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	2	6/24/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$141,454
2025	2025	NEW YORK UNIVERSITY	550 1ST AVE	NEW YORK	NY	10016	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	3/12/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$550,595
														Subtotal = $692,049

Grand Total All Awards = $692,049

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The Neural Circuit Basis of Olfactory Navigation in Adult Drosophila

Award Number: R01NS127129

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/15/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2027

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