A Signaling Network for Patterning of Neuronal Connectivity in the Drosophila Brain
2006
Signals That Tell Fly Neurons to Extend or Retract
Sample size: 40
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Mohammed Srahna, Bassem Hassan
Hypothesis
How do neurons select appropriate partners and what powers the growth of their axons during metamorphosis?
Conclusion
Most dorsal cluster neuron axons retract back to the lobula after reaching the medulla during metamorphosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Blocking JNK signaling prevents DCN axons from extending beyond the lobula.
- Blocking Rac1 signaling causes more DCN axons to innervate the medulla.
- Wnt signaling boosts JNK activity, allowing axons to maintain their connection to the medulla.
Takeaway
Fruit fly neurons grow and then pull back their long arms during their transformation, and scientists are figuring out how this happens.
Methodology
The researchers genetically manipulated dorsal cluster neurons and blocked specific signaling pathways to study axon growth and retraction.
Participant Demographics
Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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