Mapping Peptidergic Cells in Drosophila
Author Information
Author(s): Park Dongkook, Veenstra Jan A., Park Jae H., Taghert Paul H.
Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Whether all Drosophila peptidergic cells express DIMM, and the extent to which all DIMM cells are peptidergic, have not been determined.
Conclusion
Most or all DIMM cells in Drosophila appear to be peptidergic, and many but not all peptidergic cells express DIMM.
Supporting Evidence
- 306 DIMM-positive cells were identified in the larval central nervous system.
- 68% of DIMM-expressing CNS cells could be assigned provisional peptide identities.
- Most DIMM cells displayed a high level of steady-state secretory activity.
Takeaway
The study found that many cells in fruit flies that express a specific protein called DIMM are also involved in producing important chemicals called neuropeptides.
Methodology
The researchers mapped DIMM expression in the central nervous system and periphery of late larval stage Drosophila using immunostaining and gene expression patterns.
Limitations
The study does not account for all neuropeptide systems, as some neuropeptide markers were not analyzed due to lack of suitable markers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website