Differential adhesion determines the organization of synaptic fascicles in the Drosophila visual system.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuronal circuits in worms, flies, and mammals are organized so as to minimize wiring length for a functional number of synaptic connections, a phenomenon called wiring optimization. However, the molecular mechanisms that establish optimal wiring during development are unknown. We addressed this question by studying the role of N-cadherin in the development of optimally wired neurite fascicles in the peripheral visual system of Drosophila.

Results

Photoreceptor axons surround the dendrites of their postsynaptic targets, called lamina cells, within a concentric fascicle called a cartridge. N-cadherin is expressed at higher levels in lamina cells than in photoreceptors, and all genetic manipulations that invert these relative differences displace lamina cells to the

SUBMITTER: Schwabe T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4500537 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature