Erect wing regulates synaptic growth in Drosophila by integration of multiple signaling pathways.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Formation of synaptic connections is a dynamic and highly regulated process. Little is known about the gene networks that regulate synaptic growth and how they balance stimulatory and restrictive signals.

Results

Here we show that the neuronally expressed transcription factor gene erect wing (ewg) is a major target of the RNA binding protein ELAV and that EWG restricts synaptic growth at neuromuscular junctions. Using a functional genomics approach we demonstrate that EWG acts primarily through increasing mRNA levels of genes involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, while genes at the end of the regulatory expression hierarchy (effector genes) represent only a minor portion, indicating an extensive regulatory network. Amo

SUBMITTER: Haussmann IU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2643944 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature