Transgenic Tarantula Toxin: A novel tool to study mechanosensitive ion channels in Drosophila

The tarantula venom toxin GsMTx4 is the only known specific inhibitor of cation-selective mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs). Its specificity, potency, and ease of use on isolated tissues and cells have made it a powerful pharmacological tool to identify and probe the physiological function of MSCs. In some contexts, however, it would be desirable to deliver the toxin in a controlled way in vivo. Here we describe a novel tool to allow spatial and temporal control of GsMTx4 delivery in vivo in Drosophila. To test the tool, we targeted MSCs required for mechanical nociception in a specific subset of sensory neurons in intact larvae. Expression of GsMTx4 in these neurons results in robust inhibition of mechanical nociception, demonstrating the toxin is active when expressed in vivo. The tool will be particularly useful to manipulate MSC activity in a spatially and temporally-controlled manner to study their role in development, physiology and behaviour in intact, free moving animals.