Axonal Ensheathment and Septate Junction Formation in the Peripheral Nervous System ofDrosophila

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5383-05.2006
• Publication Date: 2006-03-22T20:18:20Z
• Authors: Swati Banerjee; Anilkumar M. Pillai; Raehum Paik; Jingjun Li; Manzoor A. Bhat
• Keywords: Septate junctions; Neurexin; Peripheral Nervous System; Neuroglia

Axonal insulation is critical for efficient action potential propagation and normal functioning of the nervous system. In Drosophila , underlying basis nerve ensheathment axonal by glial cells establishment septate junctions (SJs) between cell membranes. However, details cellular molecular mechanisms SJ formation are still obscure. Here, we report characterization in peripheral system (PNS). Targeted expression tau-green fluorescent protein ultrastructural analysis nerves allowed us to visualize axons. We show that individual or a group axons ensheathed inner processes, which turn outer perineurial cells. SJs formed also Neurexin IV, Contactin, Neuroglian coexpressed membranes these proteins exist as complex Mutations neurexin IV contactin neuroglian result disruption blood–nerve barrier function PNS, analyses mutant embryonic loss SJs. Interestingly, murine homologs expressed at paranodal play key role axon-glial interactions myelinated Together, our data suggest machinery may be conserved across species.