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Preference for and resistance to a toxic sulfur volatile opens up a unique niche in Drosophila busckii

Author

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  • Venkatesh Pal Mahadevan

    (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
    Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology)

  • Diego Galagovsky

    (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology)

  • Markus Knaden

    (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
    Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology)

  • Bill S. Hansson

    (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
    Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology)

Abstract

The ability to tolerate otherwise toxic compounds can open up unique niches in nature. Among drosophilid flies, few examples of such adaptations are known and those which are known are typically from highly host-specific species. Here we show that the human commensal species Drosophila busckii uses dimethyldisulfide (DMDS) as a key mediator in its host selection. Despite DMDS’s neurotoxic properties, D. busckii has evolved tolerance towards high concentrations and uses the compound as an olfactory cue to pinpoint food and oviposition sites. This adaptability is likely linked to insensitivity of the enzyme complex cytochrome c oxidase (COX), which is a DMDS target in other insects. Our findings position D. busckii as a potential model for studying resistance to toxic gases affecting COX and offers insight into evolutionary adaptations within specific ecological contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Venkatesh Pal Mahadevan & Diego Galagovsky & Markus Knaden & Bill S. Hansson, 2025. "Preference for and resistance to a toxic sulfur volatile opens up a unique niche in Drosophila busckii," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-55971-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55971-2
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