Alexander John MacKenzie

Biased projection neuron-Kenyon cell connectivity shapes odor representations and learning in the Drosophila mushroom body

This study shows that biased connectivity between projection neurons and Kenyon cells in Drosophila mushroom bodies shapes odor representations and learning by prioritizing ethologically relevant odors.

Mushroom body input connections form independently of sensory activity in Drosophila melanogaster

The paper shows that mushroom body input connections in Drosophila form without sensory activity, suggesting genetic programming over experience-based wiring.