The Loss of Neuropeptide F Signaling Reduces the Strength of Locomotor Rhythms But Not Feeding Rhythms

Circadian rhythms are produced by an organism’s molecular clock, which exists within specific neurons in the brain. Limited information exists on the pathways that connect the clock to downstream neuronal populations controlling behavior. Neuropeptide F (NPF) is a signaling molecule in Drosophila that is linked both to feeding behavior and circadian rhythms, but whether NPF contributes to rhythmic feeding is unknown. NPF and NPFR mutant flies were utilized to assess locomotor activity and feeding rhythms with behavioral assays. We find flies lacking NPF and NPFR display a decrease in locomotor rhythm strength, though there is no effect on feeding rhythms.