%0 Journal Article
%T Octopamine neuron dependent aggression requires dVGLUT from dual-transmitting neurons
%A Brian D. McCabe
%A Edmond D. Brewer
%A Elizabeth Catudio Garrett
%A Hannah R. Morgan
%A Harold K. Shearin
%A Jessica L. Williams
%A Lewis M. Sherer
%A Lucy A. Sirrs
%A R. Steven Stowers
%A Sarah J. Certel
%J -
%D 2020
%R 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008609
%X Neuromodulators such as monoamines are often expressed in neurons that also release at least one fast-acting neurotransmitter. The release of a combination of transmitters provides both ˇ°classicalˇ± and ˇ°modulatoryˇ± signals that could produce diverse and/or complementary effects in associated circuits. Here, we establish that the majority of Drosophila octopamine (OA) neurons are also glutamatergic and identify the individual contributions of each neurotransmitter on sex-specific behaviors. Males without OA display low levels of aggression and high levels of inter-male courtship. Males deficient for dVGLUT solely in OA-glutamate neurons (OGNs) also exhibit a reduction in aggression, but without a concurrent increase in inter-male courtship. Within OGNs, a portion of VMAT and dVGLUT puncta differ in localization suggesting spatial differences in OA signaling. Our findings establish a previously undetermined role for dVGLUT in OA neurons and suggests that glutamate uncouples aggression from OA-dependent courtship-related behavior. These results indicate that dual neurotransmission can increase the efficacy of individual neurotransmitters while maintaining unique functions within a multi-functional social behavior neuronal network
%K Neurons
%K Aggression
%K Glutamate
%K Neurotransmitter receptor signaling
%K Behavior
%K Drosophila melanogaster
%K Synaptic vesicles
%K Motor neurons
%U https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1008609