Gliotransmission of D-serine promotes thirst-directed behaviors in Drosophila

We used single-cell transcriptomics to address changes in gene expression across cell types in the brain of Drosophila melanogaster. Our results showed extensive gene regulation in glia and astrocytes. Among the regulated genes, astray (aay) encodes a phosphoserine phosphatase. We demonstrate that D-Serine produced by aay regulates thirst-directed behaviours by modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission. 4 different groups were studied: (1) water sated, (2) 6h water deprived, (3) 12 water deprived and (4) 12h water deprived followed by 45 minutes back on water. 2 replicates were obtained for each condition, with 24 Drosophila brains used for each sample.