Multiple interactions control synaptic layer specificity in the Drosophila visual system.

ABSTRACT: How neurons form synapses within specific layers remains poorly understood. In the Drosophila medulla, neurons target to discrete layers in a precise fashion. Here we demonstrate that the targeting of L3 neurons to a specific layer occurs in two steps. Initially, L3 growth cones project to a common domain in the outer medulla, overlapping with the growth cones of other neurons destined for a different layer through the redundant functions of N-Cadherin (CadN) and Semaphorin-1a (Sema-1a). CadN mediates adhesion within the domain and Sema-1a mediates repulsion through Plexin A (PlexA) expressed in an adjacent region. Subsequently, L3 growth cones segregate from the domain into their target layer in part through Sema-1a/PlexA-dependent remodeling. Together, our results and recent studies argu

SUBMITTER: Pecot MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3684158 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature