A Targeted RNAi Screen Identifies Novel Regulators of Synapse Formation and Function

Abstract

An intricate knowledge of synapse formation and regulation is crucial to understanding how neurons develop, interact, and grow. In an attempt to gain a deeper comprehension of synapse development, we performed a three-part genetic screen using Gal-4 driven RNAi in Drosophila melanogaster and identified four novel genes, which might play crucial roles in synapse formation and function. The four genes each displayed two of the following phenotypes: abnormal morphology at neuromuscular junction four, abnormal synaptic transmission in the retina, or abnormal locomotion behavior. These genes,CG 14010, CG31708, CG8909, and CG8500 represent a diverse class of molecules. CG 8500 is a Di-Ras protein, which is suggested to play a role in ADHD. CG8909 is a lowdensity lipoprotein-related protein 4 (LRP4) and may function in congenital myasthenic syndrome. Both CG14010 and CG31708 are members of the neurotimin family, which has been associated with Alzheimer's.