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Differential potencies of effector genes in adult Drosophila
Author(s) -
Thum Andreas S.,
Knapek Stephan,
Rister Jens,
DierichsSchmitt Eva,
Heisenberg Martin,
Tanimoto Hiromu
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.21022
Subject(s) - biology , effector , mushroom bodies , neuroscience , biological neural network , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , transgene , neurotransmitter , genetics , central nervous system , drosophila melanogaster
The GAL4/UAS gene expression system in Drosophila has been crucial in revealing the behavioral significance of neural circuits. Transgene products that block neurotransmitter release and induce cell death have been proved to inhibit neural function powerfully. Here we compare the action of the five effector genes shibire ts1 , Tetanus toxin light chain ( TNT ), reaper , Diphtheria toxin A‐chain ( DTA ), and inwardly rectifying potassium channel ( Kir2.1 ) and show differences in their efficiency depending on the target cells and the timing of induction. Specifically, effectors blocking neuronal transmission or excitability led to adult‐induced paralysis more efficiently than those causing cell ablation. We contrasted these differential potencies in adult to their actions during development. Furthermore, we induced TNT expression in the adult mushroom bodies. In contrast to the successful impairment in short‐term olfactory memory by shibire ts1 , adult TNT expression in the same set of cells did not lead to any obvious impairment. Altogether, the efficiency of effector genes depends on properties of the targeted neurons. Thus, we conclude that the selection of the appropriate effector gene is critical for evaluating the function of neural circuits. J. Comp. Neurol. 498:194–203, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.