split-GAL4

split-GAL4 provides precise genetic access to specific neuronal cell types in the lateral horn (LH) of Drosophila melanogaster for anatomical, neurotransmitter, connectomic, and functional analysis.

Key Features:

• Driver collection: A collection of 82 distinct split-GAL4 driver lines targeting unique neuronal cell types in the lateral horn (LH) of Drosophila melanogaster.
• Sparse neurogenetic access: Enables sparse genetic access to individual LH neurons to isolate and manipulate single cell types.
• Anatomical and neurotransmitter mapping: Supports generation of detailed anatomical maps of the LH combined with neurotransmitter profiling of labeled neurons.
• Integration with EM connectomics data: Facilitates integration with electron microscopy (EM) connectomics data to relate genetically labeled neurons to connectivity information.
• Functional insights through optogenetics: Allows identification of LH cell types that influence behavior, including changes in valence behavior and distinct locomotor programs, via optogenetic activation.
• Linkage to mushroom body outputs: Indicates that approximately 30% of LH projections converge with outputs from the mushroom body, linking LH circuitry to olfactory learning and memory pathways.

Scientific Applications:

• Cell-type definition: Dissect anatomical and neurotransmitter identities of individual LH cell types in Drosophila melanogaster.
• Connectivity mapping: Map and validate LH connectivity by relating split-GAL4–labeled neurons to EM connectomics datasets.
• Behavioral causality tests: Test causal roles of specific LH neurons in innate and learned olfactory-driven behaviors using optogenetic activation.
• Integration of innate and learned olfaction: Investigate pathways by which LH circuitry interfaces with mushroom body outputs to integrate innate and learned olfactory information.

Methodology:

Methods include anatomical mapping, neurotransmitter profiling, integration with electron microscopy (EM) connectomics data, and optogenetic activation.