Somatic function of the Argonaute protein Aubergine is essential for neuromuscular development and function in...

The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is the primary defense against the deleterious activity of transposable elements (TEs), a role classically assigned to the germline. We recently discovered that the retrotransposon Copia is a negative regulator of synaptogenesis at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (LNMJ) [1]. Here, we investigated whether the piRNA pathway regulates Copia in this somatic context.

Analysis of existing sequencing data revealed the expression of piRNA pathway components in somatic tissues [2]. We focused on Aubergine ( aub ), a core PIWI-clade Argonaute. We utilized CRISPR generated aub reporter lines and confocal microscopy to confirm the enrichment of AUB at the LNMJ and next generation sequencing coupled with digital PCR to validate the upregulation of TEs in aub knockdown larvae and adult tissues.

Data from genetic reporters and antibody staining show that AUB is expressed and localized to the LNMJ. Tissue-specific knockdown of aub at the LNMJ resulted in increased TE expression, including Copia . In contrast to the synaptic overgrowth seen with Copia depletion [1], aub reduction caused a decrease in synapse number and impaired motor function and lifespan. These phenotypes are consistent with the upregulation of Copia , a negative regulator of synapse growth.

Our findings demonstrate that AUB functions somatically at the LNMJ to repress TEs, thereby ensuring proper neuromuscular development and function. This work establishes a physiological role for the piRNA pathway in a somatic tissue, linking TE repression to neuromuscular development.