Michael J. Pankratz

An aorta to insulin producing cell sensor for internal state in Drosophila

The paper identifies and characterizes an aorta sensory organ in Drosophila that connects internal hemolymph state to central systems regulating feeding behavior and memory.

Distributed control circuits across a brain-and-cord connectome

The paper presents the first densely reconstructed adult fruit fly connectome integrating the brain and ventral nerve cord, revealing distributed control circuits involving local and long-range neural connections.

Morphology and ultrastructure of external sense organsof Drosophila larvae

This paper describes the morphology and ultrastructure of external sense organs in Drosophila larvae using 3D electron microscopy, identifying three main types of sensilla and their spatial organization.

Serotonergic reinforcement of a complete swallowing circuit

The paper maps a neuronal circuit in Drosophila that uses serotonergic feedback to stabilize swallowing rhythms through mechanosensory input and motor-sensory-modulatory loops.

Unveiling the sensory and interneuronal pathways of the neuroendocrine connectome in Drosophila

The paper uses electron microscopy to map sensory and interneuronal pathways to neuroendocrine cells in Drosophila, identifying a CO2-responsive network involving Corazonin and Diuretic hormone 44 neurons.

Discrete escape responses are generated by neuropeptide-mediated circuit logic

The paper identifies a somatosensory network in Drosophila larvae that uses neuropeptide action to gate specific escape behaviors based on sensory input type.

The Feeding Connectome: Convergence of Monosynaptic and Polysynaptic Sensory Paths onto Common Motor Outputs

The paper maps sensory input pathways and their connections to motor outputs in Drosophila larvae, revealing monosynaptic and polysynaptic routes that converge on common motor targets.