Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.12.199729v1?rss=1 Authors: Timothy A Currier, Andrew MM Matheson, Katherine I Nagel Abstract: How brain circuits convert sensory signals from diverse modalities into goal-oriented movements is a central question in neuroscience. In insects, a brain region known as the Central Complex (Cx) is believed to support navigation, but how this area organizes and processes diverse sensory cues is not clear. We recorded from genetically-identified Cx cell types in Drosophila and presented directional visual, olfactory, and airflow cues known to elicit orienting behavior. We found that a group of columnar neurons targeting the ventral fan-shaped body (ventral P-FNs) were consistently tuned for airflow direction. Silencing these neurons prevented flies from adopting stable orientations relative to airflow in closed-loop flight. Specifically, silenced flies selected improper corrective turns following changes in airflow direction, but not following airflow offset, suggesting a specific deficit in sensory-motor conversion. Our work provides insight into the organization and function of the insect navigation center.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info