Abstract
The final identity of a differentiated neuron is determined by multiple signaling events, including activity dependent calcium transients. Non-canonical Frizzled2 (Fz2) signaling generates calcium transients that determine neuronal polarity, neuronal migration, and synapse assembly in the developing vertebrate brain. Here, we demonstrate a requirement for Fz2/Ca(2+) signaling in determining the final differentiated state of a set of central brain dopaminergic neurons in Drosophila, referred to as the protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) cluster. Knockdown or inhibition of Fz2/Ca(2+) signaling during maturation of the flight circuit in pupae reduces Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) expression in the PAM neurons and affects maintenance of flight. Thus, we demonstrate that Fz2/Ca(2+) transients during development serve as a pre-requisite for normal adult behavior. Our results support a neural mechanism where PAM neuron send projections to the α' and β' lobes of a higher brain centre, the mushroom body, and function in dopaminergic re-inforcement of flight.
Keywords:
D. melanogaster; developmental biology; dopamine; neuroscience; neurotransmitter; stem cells; transcription; tyrosine hydroxylase.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Brain / growth & development
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Brain / metabolism
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Calcium / metabolism*
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Calcium Signaling*
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Cell Movement
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Cell Polarity
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Dopaminergic Neurons / cytology
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Dopaminergic Neurons / metabolism
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Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
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Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
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Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
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Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development
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Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
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Flight, Animal / physiology
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Frizzled Receptors / genetics*
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Frizzled Receptors / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Genetic Complementation Test
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Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors / genetics
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Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors / metabolism
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Membrane Proteins / genetics
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism
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Mushroom Bodies / growth & development
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Mushroom Bodies / metabolism
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Pupa / genetics
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Pupa / growth & development
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Pupa / metabolism
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Stromal Interaction Molecule 1
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Synapses / physiology
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Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / genetics
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Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / metabolism
Substances
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Drosophila Proteins
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Frizzled Receptors
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Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
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Membrane Proteins
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Stim protein, Drosophila
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Stromal Interaction Molecule 1
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fz2 protein, Drosophila
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Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
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Calcium