CORL Expression and Function in Insulin Producing Neurons Reversibly Influences Adult Longevity in Drosophila

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• CORL proteins, related to Sno/Ski oncogenes, are CNS-specific with largely unknown functions.
• A Drosophila CORL (dCORL) reporter gene is expressed in insulin-like peptide 2 (dILP2) neurons within the pars intercerebralis (PI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of dCORL in the development and function of dILP2 neurons.
• To explore the connection between dCORL, lifespan, and mating behavior in Drosophila.

Main Methods:

• Utilized dCORL reporter gene expression analysis.
• Generated and analyzed dCORL mutant fruit flies.
• Performed RNA interference (RNAi) in neurosecretory cells of the PI.
• Assessed lifespan and neuronal phenotypes in mutant and wild-type flies.

Main Results:

• dCORL mutant brains showed a loss of dILP2 neurons lacking the transcription factor Drifter.
• This neuronal loss was replicated by dCORL-RNAi in PI neurosecretory cells.
• dCORL mutant virgin adults exhibited significantly shorter lifespans, which were rescued by mating.
• Mated dCORL mutant brains displayed a rescue of dILP2 neurons.

Conclusions:

• dCORL plays a role in a neural network involving insulin signaling, longevity, and mating.
• The findings suggest a conserved function for CORL proteins in mammals, potentially linking CNS function, lifespan, and reproduction.