Work

Dietary salt induces taste desensitization via receptor internalization in Drosophila in a sexually dimorphic manner

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sodium homeostasis, which is critical for survival, includes mechanisms for regulating salt intake that integrate central neural pathways with the peripheral taste system. Although the central homeostatic mechanisms of salt appetite are well-studied, the mechanisms by which dietary salt modulates peripheral taste responses remain unclear. We found increased dietary salt reduces salt preference in Drosophila by desensitizing sweet gustatory receptor neurons independent of internal sodium levels. We observed a reversible suppression of salt-evoked neural responses following salt exposure accomplished via clathrin-mediated endocytosis in males and both clathrin- and C-terminal binding protein-dependent endocytosis in females. We also found reversing gustatory receptor neuron sexual identity switched the desensitization pattern, indicating cell-autonomous control of this sexual dimorphism. Moreover, C-terminal binding protein-mediated macropinocytosis in females also dampened sweet taste responses, revealing a sex- and modality-specific mechanism underlying sensory adaptation. These findings reveal dietary experience can affect feeding behavior by reprograming peripheral taste responses, clarifying the plasticity of nutrient sensing.

Source: Molecules and Cells

DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100242

Authors: Linni Jin, Chul Hoon Kim, Jeong Taeg Seo, Seok Jun Moon

Institutions: Yonsei University, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Yonsei University Health System

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500

Funder: National Research Foundation of Korea