Axon regrowth and circuit assembly

Forming the precise connectivity of neural circuits is a complex, multi‐step process that involves growth of axon and dendrites, as well as subcellular targeting of synaptic partners. Despite its fundamental nature, our knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the assembly of neural circuits remains incomplete.

Following pruning, mushroom body (MB) γ-KCs undergo axon regrowth in a genetically-regulated manner, which is distinct from initial axon outgrowth and shares similarities with regeneration following injury. Moreover, the growing axons must synapse with the processes of specific input and output MB neurons, thereby defining discrete sub-cellular zones that mediate distinct aspects of fly behavior. 

With the available full-brain connectome, the multitude of advanced neurogenetic tools and the wide array of behavioral assays, the MB is the perfect platform to uncover the mechanistic and functional principles that govern regrowth, wiring and target recognition within developing neural circuits.