Hunger, Diet, and Sex Impact Amino Acid Sensation and Response in Drosophila
Terraciano, Max
Terraciano, Max
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Abstract
Differing physiological needs for nutrients can modulate both food-seeking behavior and primary sensory cell activity. Amino acids (AAs) are nutrients essential for protein synthesis, metabolic processes, and immune responses that need to be maintained at sufficient levels for optimal health across the animal kingdom. Previous research with Drosophila melanogaster has demonstrated that protein-linked feeding behaviors are modulated by different internal states (reproductive status, hunger, sex, etc.) However, it is currently unknown whether these changes in behavior are a result of changes to external AA sensation or other mechanisms. To test this, the sensitivity to tryptone, a physiologically-relevant blend of AAs, was quantified via Proboscis Extension Response (PER) alongside two-choice preference ingestion assays. By measuring behavioral changes across differences in biological sex, mating, hunger, and diet, the impact of internal state on external sensation and feeding preference was evaluated. This work shows that internal factors like mated status and sex effect external AA sensation and preference, with mated females showing the strongest preference for AAs. Starved and protein-deprived flies both exhibit increased PER to AAs, while flies on a high-protein diet had suppressed PER. Flies on the high-protein diet are also less likely to initiate feeding than those on the other diets, suggesting a mechanism for general satiety regulated by dietary AA levels. These results suggest that external AA sensation is modulated by sex, hunger, and diet to influence the preference for protein using nutrient-specific cues.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Program/Major
Neuroscience
College/School
College of Arts and Sciences
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Life Science