The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction as a model for scaffold complexes at glutamatergic synapses: benefits and limitations

J Neurogenet. 2010 Sep;24(3):109-19. doi: 10.3109/01677063.2010.493589.

Abstract

Based on unbeatable genetic accessibility and relative simplicity, the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction has become a widely used model system for studying functional and structural aspects of excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Membrane-associated guanylate kinase-like proteins (MAGUKs) are first-order scaffolding molecules enriched at many cellular junctions, including synapses, where they coordinate multiple binding partners, including cell adhesion molecules and ion channels. The enrichment of the prototypic MAGUK Discs-Large at larval NMJs apparently parallels the high abundance of its homologs at excitatory synapses in the mammalian central nervous system. Here, the authors review selected aspects of the long-standing work on Dlg at fly neuromuscular junctions, thereby scrutinizing its subcellular localization, function, and regulation with regard to corresponding aspects of MAGUKs in vertebrate neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila melanogaster / cytology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development*
  • Glutamic Acid / physiology*
  • Larva / cytology
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Membrane Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Models, Animal
  • Neuromuscular Junction / growth & development*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / ultrastructure
  • Synaptic Membranes / physiology*
  • Synaptic Membranes / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Glutamic Acid