Neurodegeneration and locomotor dysfunction in Drosophila scarlet mutants.

ABSTRACT: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, resulting in progressive locomotor dysfunction. Identification of genes required for the maintenance of these neurons should help to identify potential therapeutic targets. However, little is known regarding the factors that render dopaminergic neurons selectively vulnerable to PD. Here, we show that Drosophila melanogaster scarlet mutants exhibit an age-dependent progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, along with subsequent locomotor defects and a shortened lifespan. Knockdown of Scarlet specifically within dopaminergic neurons is sufficient to produce this neurodegeneration, demonstrating a unique role for Scarlet beyond its well-characterized role in eye pigmentation. Both genetic and pharmacological

SUBMITTER: Cunningham PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6176922 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature