Unfulfilled interacting genes display branch-specific roles in the development of mushroom body axons in Drosophila melanogaster.

ABSTRACT: The mushroom body (MB) of Drosophila melanogaster is an organized collection of interneurons that is required for learning and memory. Each of the three subtypes of MB neurons, γ, α'/β', and α/β, branch at some point during their development, providing an excellent model in which to study the genetic regulation of axon branching. Given the sequential birth order and the unique patterning of MB neurons, it is likely that specific gene cascades are required for the different guidance events that form the characteristic lobes of the MB. The nuclear receptor UNFULFILLED (UNF), a transcription factor, is required for the differentiation of all MB neurons. We have developed and used a classical genetic suppressor screen that takes advantage of the fact that ectopic expression of unf causes letha

SUBMITTER: Bates KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4577660 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature