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Neurexin‐1 is required for synapse formation and larvae associative learning in Drosophila
Author(s) -
Zeng Xiankun,
Sun Mingkuan,
Liu Li,
Chen Fading,
Wei Liuchan,
Xie Wei
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.04.068
Subject(s) - neurexin , synaptogenesis , synapse , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , associative learning , mutant , neuroscience , genetics , postsynaptic potential , gene , receptor
Neurexins are highly polymorphic cell‐surface adhesive molecules in neurons. In cultured mammalian cell system, they were found to be involved in synaptogenesis. Here, we report for the first time that Drosophila neurexin is required for synapse formation and associative learning in larvae. Drosophila genome encodes a single functional neurexin (CG7050; Neurexin‐1 or Nrx‐1), which is a homolog of vertebrate α‐neurexin. Neurexin‐1 is expressed in central nervous system and highly enriched in synaptic regions of the ventral ganglion and brain. Neurexin‐1 null mutants are viable and fertile, but have shortened lifespan. The synapse number is decreased in central nervous system in Neurexin‐1 null mutants. In addition, Neurexin‐1 null mutants exhibit associative learning defect in larvae.