Molecular resolution of a behavioral paradox: sleep and arousal are regulated by distinct acetylcholine receptors in different neuronal types in <i>Drosophila</i>

Abstract Sleep and arousal are both important for animals. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) has long been found to promote sleep in mammals, an apparent paradox which also exist flies, causing much confusion understanding arousal. Here, we have systematically studied all 13 ACh receptors (AChRs) Drosophila understand mechanisms underlying function We that exogenous stimuli-induced was decreased nAChRα3 mutants, whereas nAChRα2 nAChRβ2 mutants. functions dopaminergic neurons arousal, β2 octopaminergic sleep. Our studies revealed a single transmitter can endogenous through distinct different types of downstream neurons.