Investigating the Effects of 1700 FDA Approved Drugs on Proneural Protein Knockdown in Drosophila melanogaster

Basic Helix‐Loop‐Helix (bHLH) proneural proteins comprise a superfamily of transcription factors that are critical to early development. This superfamily includes the Daughterless (Da) gene in Drosophila melanogaster , the fruit fly, and the homologous TCF4 gene in mammals. These genes have many essential functions in sex determination, cell proliferation, muscle development, and neurogenesis. In addition to these roles in development, our laboratory has shown that both Da and TCF4 function in mature, differentiated neurons, where they restrict neurite branching and synapse number. Knockdown of Da thus results in decreased motor function, a readout of proper glutamatergic neurotransmission. These results are important because mutations in TCF4 have been associated with the neurodevelopmental diseases Pitt‐Hopkins syndrome and schizophrenia. The purpose of this research is to screen 1700 FDA approved drugs in our Da knockdown model with the hopes of using this information to better determine future therapy for individuals with Pitt‐Hopkins and schizophrenia. Support or Funding Information This research was supported by Drexel University Office of Undergraduate Research through the STAR Scholars program, under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel Marenda.