Glial cells missing: a binary switch between neuronal and glial determination in Drosophila

Article Abstract:

The glial cells missing (gcm) gene in Drosophila functions as a binary switch in the development of glial cells and neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. A mutation in this gene causes the differentiation of glial cells into neurons, while the ectopic expression of gcm causes the differentiation of neurons into glial cells. The characteristics of the neurons formed by the glial cells are different from that of normal neurons. The gcm gene encodes a nuclear protein which is expressed in all early glial cells. This effect of the gcm gene is probably due to stimulation of transcription, and the repo gene is expressed in cells expressing gcm.

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A new view of an old pore

Article Abstract:

A forward genetic screen that reveals the V(sub 0) subunit of the +H/ATPase, a large protein complex to be necessary for synaptic vesicle fusion, independent of its role in vesicle acidification is presented. The screen identified the gene vha100, which is expressed specifically in the nervous system.

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Glial control of synaptogenesis

Article Abstract:

Glial-derived thrombospondins and additional soluble glial-secreted factors regulate synapse assembly and functional maturation. The mechanisms inducing the formation between neurons that occur through synapse are studied.

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