Hybrid neural networks in the mushroom body drive olfactory preference in .

Journal: Science advances
Published Date: May 30, 2025

Abstract

In , olfactory encoding in the mushroom body (MB) involves thousands of Kenyon cells (KCs) processing inputs from hundreds of projection neurons (PNs). Recent data challenge the notion of random PN-to-KC connectivity, revealing preferential connections between food-related PNs and specific KCs. Our study further uncovers a broader picture-an L-shaped hybrid network, supported by spatial patterning: Food-related PNs diverge across KC classes, whereas pheromone-sensitive PNs converge on γ KCs. α/β KCs specialize in food odors, whereas γ KCs integrate diverse inputs. Such spatial arrangement extends further to the antennal lobe (AL) and lateral horn (LH), shaping a systematic olfactory landscape. Moreover, our functional validations align with computational predictions of KC odor encoding based on the hybrid connectivity, correlating PN-KC activity with behavioral preferences. In addition, our simulations showcase the network's augmented sensitivity and precise discrimination abilities, underscoring the computational benefits of this hybrid architecture in olfactory processing.

Authors

  • Li-Shan Cheng
    Department of Physics, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300043, Taiwan.
  • Ching-Che Charng
    Institute of Systems Neuroscience and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
  • Ruei-Huang Chen
    Institute of Systems Neuroscience and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
  • Kuan-Lin Feng
    Brain Research Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
  • Ann-Shyn Chiang
    Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
  • Chung-Chuan Lo
    Institute of Systems Neuroscience, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; and.
  • Ting-Kuo Lee
    Department of Physics, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300043, Taiwan.

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