Manganese affects behavior of Drosophila melanogaster by altering biogenic amine levels in brain (original) (raw)

Abstract

Manganese (Mn2+) is an essential transition metal involved in growth, development, cellular respiration and energy homeostasis, acting as a cofactor for various enzymes. Maintaining homeostatic balance of divalent metal ions like Mn2+ is critical for physiology. Mn2+ transporter proteins have been found to be involved in taste behavior in insects. Thus developing a proper understanding of the role of Mn2+ in modulating sensory systems (e.g., taste) will help in elucidating its role in modulating behavior. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster was used as a model to study the effect of Mn2+ on the nervous system. Preliminary results showed that flies raised from egg to adult in food that contains Mn2+ have higher levels of the biogenic amines Dopamine (DA) and Octopamine (OA) but not Serotonin (5-HT) in their brains, as compared to control flies. Since both DA and OA are known to be involved in regulating various behaviors, we hypothesized that the effects of disruptions in Mn2+ homeostasis on behavior are mediated by a direct impact on aminergic signaling in the insect brain. We followed up on these results by raising flies in different concentrations of Mn2+, followed by determination of brain amine levels, aminergic neuroanatomy, gene transcription, and behavioral outcomes. Evidence was found suggesting that Mn2+ may affect biogenic amine levels by impacting transcription levels of genes involved in biogenic amine synthesis pathways, and it was also found that Mn2+ treatment can affect gustatory behavior, whereas aminergic neuroanatomy remains unaffected on exposure to Mn2+ levels that change behavior and aminergic gene expression.

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