Physiological requirement for the glutamate transporter dEAAT1 at the adult Drosophila neuromuscular junction

• DOI: 10.1002/neu.20270
• Publication Date: 2006-07-12T23:24:34Z
• Authors: Thomas Rival; Laurent Soustelle; Daniel Cattaert; Colette Strambi; Magali Iché; Serge Birman
• Keywords: Synaptic cleft; Neurotransmitter transporter

Abstract L ‐Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in mammalian brain. Specific proteins, Na + /K ‐dependent high affinity amino acid transporters (EAATs), are involved extracellular clearance and recycling of this acid. Type I synapses Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) similarly use ‐glutamate as an transmitter. However, localization function only high‐affinity glutamate reuptake transporter , dEAAT1, at NMJ was unknown. Using a specific antibody transgenic strains, we observed that dEAAT1 present adult, but surprisingly not embryonic larval NMJ, suggesting physiological maturation during metamorphosis. We found localized motor neurons glial extensions closely follow axons to adult NMJ. Inactivation gene by RNA interference generated viable flies were able walk flight‐defective. Electrophysiological recordings thoracic dorso‐lateral performed dEAAT1‐deficient flies. The lack prolonged duration individual responses nerve stimulation effect progressively increased trains stimulations. Therefore, cells required ensure normal activity © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol,