Drosophila larval motor patterning relies on regulated alternative splicing of Dscam2.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies capitalizing on the newly complete nanometer-resolution Drosophila larval connectome have made significant advances in identifying the structural basis of motor patterning. However, the molecular mechanisms utilized by neurons to wire these circuits remain poorly understood. In this study we explore how cell-specific expression of two Dscam2 isoforms, which mediate isoform-specific homophilic binding, contributes to motor patterning and output of Drosophila larvae. Ablating Dscam2 isoform diversity resulted in impaired locomotion. Electrophysiological assessment at the neuromuscular junction during fictive locomotion indicated that this behavioral defect was largely caused by weaker bouts of motor neuron activity. Morphological analyses of single motor neurons using MultiCol

SUBMITTER: Odierna GL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11292952 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature