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Published on: March 15, 2010
Increased synaptic microtubules and altered synapse development in Drosophila sec8 mutants
Faith L W Liebl1, Kaiyun Chen, Julie Karr
1Department of Cell and Structural Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 601 South Goodwin Avenue, C626, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. fliebl1@uiuc.edu
BMC Biology
|December 15, 2005
Summary
Sec8 protein is essential for regulating synaptic microtubule formation in vivo. Mutations in sec8 lead to increased synaptic growth and altered glutamate receptor trafficking, but not basal neurotransmission.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sec8 is highly expressed in mammalian nervous systems, with proposed roles in neural development and function.
- Previous models of Sec8 function lacked in vivo validation.
- Nervous system development and function in sec8 mutants were previously undescribed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo function of Sec8 in the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
- To determine the role of Sec8 in synaptic development, neurotransmission, and microtubule assembly.
Main Methods:
- Forward genetic screen to identify lethal sec8 mutants.
- Development of antibodies for Drosophila Sec8 detection.
- Immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting to analyze Sec8 expression and localization.
- Synaptic electrophysiology to assess neurotransmission.
- Examination of NMJ morphology and microtubule density.
Main Results:
- Sec8 null mutants exhibited increased branching and presynaptic terminal growth at the NMJ.
- No evidence for Sec8 requirement in basal neurotransmission was found.
- Mild disruption of glutamate receptor trafficking was observed.
- A significant increase (approximately doubled) in synaptic microtubule density was the most dramatic phenotype.
Conclusions:
- Sec8 is abundant in the Drosophila NMJ and required in vivo for regulating synaptic microtubule formation.
- Sec8 plays a secondary role in regulating synaptic growth and glutamate receptor trafficking.
- Sec8 is not required for basal neurotransmission.
