Vanessa Ruta

Lipid Activation of a Thalamic GPCR Extends Working Memory Time-scales

This study identifies a lipid signaling mechanism involving AEA-Gpr12 in thalamus that extends working memory duration by suppressing cAMP and supporting sustained neural activity in PFC.

The structural logic of insect olfactory receptor assembly and gating

This study investigates the structural and functional mechanisms of insect olfactory receptor assembly and gating using cryo-EM and functional analyses.

A vector-based strategy for olfactory navigation in Drosophila

This study shows that Drosophila use vector-based memory computations in the central complex to navigate odor plumes by tracking their boundaries.

Strain variation identifies a neural substrate for behavioral evolution in Drosophila

The paper identifies strain-specific differences in Drosophila mate preferences linked to neural circuit variation.

Ecological cues orchestrate concerted courtship in a Drosophila host specialist

The paper shows that ecological cues, specifically food volatiles, drive courtship behavior in Drosophila erecta by promoting sexual arousal and coordinating group interactions.

Male-male interactions shape mate selection in Drosophila

The paper investigates how male-male interactions influence mate selection in Drosophila by examining male courtship behaviors and neural circuits involved in repelling rivals.

Social state gates vision using three circuit mechanisms in Drosophila

The paper identifies three circuit mechanisms in Drosophila that adjust visual attention during aggressive states by amplifying responses to fly-sized visual objects.

A modular circuit architecture coordinates the diversification of courtship strategies in Drosophila

The paper investigates how Drosophila males adapt their sensory circuits to recognize and respond to pheromones, revealing a modular circuit architecture that enables the evolution of courtship strategies.

The structural basis of odorant recognition in insect olfactory receptors

This study determines the structural basis of odorant recognition in insect olfactory receptors using cryo-EM and functional analysis.

An arousal gated visual circuit controls pursuit during Drosophila courtship

The paper shows how male Drosophila's internal arousal state modulates visual signal processing to control courtship pursuit behavior.