Sreesankar Easwaran

eLife Assessment This important study shows how genetic variation is associated with fecundity following a period of reproductive diapause in female Drosophila. The work identifies the olfactory system as central to successful diapause with associated changes in longevity and fecundity.

Abstract The effects of environmental stress on animal life are gaining importance with climate change. Diapause is a dormancy program that occurs in response to an adverse environment, followed by resumption of development and reproduction upon the return of favorable conditions. Diapause is a complex trait, so we leveraged the Drosophila genetic reference panel (DGRP) lines and conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to characterize the genetic basis of diapause.

Abstract To survive adverse environments, many animals enter a dormant state such as hibernation, dauer, or diapause. Various Drosophila species undergo adult reproductive diapause in response to cool temperatures and/or short day–length. While it is known that flies are less active during diapause, an in–depth understanding of diapause effects on circadian rhythms and sleep is lacking.