The Drosophila Female Aphrodisiac Pheromone Activates ppk23+ Sensory Neurons to Elicit Male Courtship Behavior

SummaryFemales of many animal species emit chemical signals that attract and arouse males for mating. For example, the major aphrodisiac pheromone of Drosophila melanogaster females, 7,11-heptacosadiene (7,11-HD), is a potent inducer of male-specific courtship and copulatory behaviors. Here, we demonstrate that a set of gustatory sensory neurons on the male foreleg, defined by expression of the ppk23 marker, respond to 7,11-HD. Activity of these neurons is required for males to robustly court females or to court males perfumed with 7,11-HD. Artificial activation of these ppk23+ neurons stimulates male-male courtship even without 7,11-HD perfuming. These data identify the ppk23+ sensory neurons as the primary targets for female sex pheromones in Drosophila.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Foreleg gustatory neurons that express ppk23 function in male courtship behavior
► ppk23+ neurons respond to the female aphrodisiac pheromone 7,11-heptacosadiene (7,11-HD)
► Thermogenetic activation of ppk23+ neurons induces male courtship without 7,11-HD