Genetic and electrophysiological studies of Drosophila syntaxin-1A demonstrate its role in nonneuronal secretion and neurotransmission

Article Abstract:

Cloning and characterization of the Drosophila syntaxin-1A gene syx-1A indicate its localization mainly in axons and synapses. An allelic series of loss-of-function mutations lead to embryonic lethality and secretory and morphological defects that are influenced by the severity of the mutant allele. Endogenous synaptic transmission is absent at the neuromuscular junction of partial loss-of-function mutants, and evoked transmission is reduced by 80%. Total lack of syx-1A leads to peripheral and central nervous system morphological abnormalities, damages nonneural secretory events and completely blocks neurotransmitter release, indicating that syntaxin is essential for neurotransmission and that it regulates nonneural secretion.

author: Bellen, Hugo J., Broadie, Kendal, Perin, Mark S., Schulze, Karen L.
Secretion, Neural transmission regulation

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Phyllopod functions in the fate determination of a subset of photoreceptors in Drosophila

Article Abstract:

Fate determination of subset of photoreceptors R1, R6, R7 in Drosophila requires the protein encoded by phyllopod (phyl). Genetic data indicate the position of phyl to be downstream of Ras1, raf and yan, and that its functions include the promotion of neuronal differentiation of this subset of receptors. phyl is regulated by Ras1 and is essential for the development of the embryonic nervous system and sensory bristles.

author: Rubin, Gerald M., Therrien, Marc, Chang, Henry C., Solomon, Noah M., Karim, Felix D., Wolff, Tanya, Wassarman, David A.
Physiological aspects, Nervous system, Evolution (Biology), Photoreceptors

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Drosophila fragile X-related generegulates the MAP1B homolog Futsch to control synaptic structure and function

Article Abstract:

Results indicate that fragile X-mental retardation gene homolog acts as a translational repressor of the microtubule-associated Futsch gene in the regulation of synaptic microtubule cytoskeleton in Drosophila.

author: Rubin, Gerald M., Zhang, Yong Q., Bailey, Adina M., Matthies, Heinrich J.G., Renden, Robert B., Smith, Mark A., Speese, Sean D., Broadie, Kendal
United States, Fragile X syndrome, Structure-activity relationships (Biochemistry), Synaptic transmission

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subjects list: Analysis, Genetic aspects, Drosophila, Neural transmission
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