Regulation of central neuron synaptic targeting by the Drosophila POU protein, Acj6

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.127.11.2395
• Publication Date: 2021-04-26T04:04:34Z
• Authors: Sarah J. Certel; Peter J. Clyne; John R. Carlson; Wayne A. Johnson
• Keywords: POU domain

ABSTRACT Mutations in the Drosophila class IV POU domain gene, abnormal chemosensory jump 6 (acj6), have previously been shown to cause physiological deficits odor sensitivity. However, loss of Acj6 function also has a severe detrimental effect upon coordinated larval and adult movement that cannot be explained by simple odorant detection. In addition olfactory sensory neurons, is expressed distinct subset postmitotic interneurons central nervous system from late embryonic stages. brain, highly optic antennal lobe neurons. Loss neurons results disorganized retinal axon targeting synapse selection. Furthermore, lamina themselves exhibit synaptic arbors medulla acj6 mutant pupal brains, suggesting may play role regulating connections or structure. To further test this hypothesis, we misexpressed two isoforms motor where they are not normally found. The produced alternatively spliced transcripts, resulting significant structural differences amino-terminal box. misexpression caused marked alterations at neuromuscular junction, with contrasting effects nerve terminal branching formation associated specific isoforms. Our suggest factor, Acj6, an important target selection box for regulation activity.