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A role for Drosophila Drac1 in neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the giant fiber system

Allen, Marcus J., Shan, Xiaoliang, Murphey, R.K. (2000) A role for Drosophila Drac1 in neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the giant fiber system. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, 16 (6). 754-65.. ISSN 1044-7431. (doi:10.1006/mcne.2000.0903) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:5873)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/mcne.2000.0903

Abstract

Recent studies have shown the small GTPases, Rac1, Rho, and CDC42, to have a role in axon guidance. To assess their participation in synapse assembly and function we have expressed various forms of Drac1 in the giant fiber system of Drosophila. Overexpression of wild-type Drac1 in the giant fiber (GF) lead to a disruption in axonal morphology; axons often terminate prematurely in a large swelling in the target area but lack the normal lateral bend where the synapse with the jump motor neuron would normally be found. Electrophysiological assays revealed longer latencies and lowering following frequencies indicating defects in the synapse between the GF and the tergotrochanteral motor neuron (TTMn). Thickened abnormal GF dendrites were also observed in the brain. Overexpression of the dominant-negative form of Drac1, (N17), resulted in axons that produced extra branches in the second thoracic neuromere (T2); however, the synaptic connection to the TTMn was present and functioned normally. Conversely, expression of the constitutively active form, Drac1(V12), resulted in a complete lack of neurite outgrowth and this was also seen with overexpression of Dcdc42(V12). In the absence of a GF, these flies showed no response in the jump (TTM) or flight (DLM) muscles upon brain stimulation. Taken together these results show that the balance of actin polymerization and depolymerization determines local process outgrowth and thereby synapse structure and function.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1006/mcne.2000.0903
Additional information: eng Journal Article
Uncontrolled keywords: Action Potentials/genetics Animals Cell Size/genetics Central Nervous System/cytology/*growth & development/metabolism Drosophila/cytology/*growth & development/metabolism *Drosophila Proteins GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics/metabolism Ganglia, Invertebrate/cytology/growth & development/metabolism Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/*physiology Nerve Fibers/*metabolism/ultrastructure Neural Pathways/cytology/growth & development/metabolism Neurites/*metabolism/ultrastructure Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Synapses/*metabolism/ultrastructure rac GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics/*metabolism
Subjects: Q Science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Depositing User: Marcus J Allen
Date Deposited: 30 May 2009 05:09 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:44 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/5873 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Allen, Marcus J..

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