Topic: Dietary amino acids

Dietary amino acids are key determinants of lifespan and fecundity. Flies achieve a balanced intake of amino acids under diverse physiological conditions by developing a protein-specific appetite. The Drosophila feeding motor program comprises behavioral modules (feeding bursts and activity bouts) which are tightly regulated by the nutrient state of the fly. Here, we aim to understand the neural-circuit mechanisms underlying physiological state-specific regulation of Drosophila feeding microstructure by dissecting sensorimotor pathways controlling feeding motor programs. First, we show that di