NFAT regulates pre-synaptic development and activity-dependent plasticity in Drosophila

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT) is a calcium-regulated transcription factor.
• NFAT is recognized for its role in neuronal development and plasticity.
• The precise cellular functions of NFAT in the nervous system are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the Drosophila NFAT homolog in the nervous system.
• To elucidate the cellular consequences of NFAT function on neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Expression analysis of the Drosophila NFAT homolog in the nervous system.
• Assessment of NFAT's impact on neural excitability.
• Analysis of NFAT's effects on larval locomotion and synaptic plasticity at the neuromuscular junction.
• Investigation of pre-synaptic bouton number, microtubule architecture, and transmitter release.

Main Results:

• The Drosophila NFAT homolog is broadly expressed in the nervous system, including motor neurons.
• NFAT unexpectedly regulates neural excitability, impacting larval locomotion.
• NFAT influences both chronic and acute activity-dependent plasticity at the glutamatergic neuromuscular synapse.
• NFAT-dependent phenotypes include altered pre-synaptic bouton number, stable modifications in synaptic microtubule architecture, and altered pre-synaptic transmitter release.

Conclusions:

• NFAT plays a critical role in regulating pre-synaptic development in Drosophila.
• NFAT appears to dampen neuronal excitability, thereby constraining long-term synaptic plasticity.
• NFAT's function extends beyond its known roles, influencing fundamental aspects of neuronal function and plasticity.