Reduced Growth Cone Motility in Cultured Neurons from Drosophila Memory Mutants with a Defective cAMP Cascade

摘要: Drosophila memory mutants dunce (dnc) and rutabaga (rut) are known to have altered intracellular cAMP levels, nerve terminal growth, plasticity of synaptic transmission. Because the growth cone is responsible for neurite outgrowth synaptogenesis, video microscopy was used examine morphology behavior mutant neurons in larval CNS cultures. We found that exploratory movement nearly arrested by both mutations, even though they change levels opposite directions. The dnc phenotype could be mimicked normal when perfused with dibutyryl (db-cAMP) or forskolin. In contrast, rut cones became active db-cAMP. Furthermore, motility also restored counterbalancing effects two genes double mutants, indicating dynamic control developing requires optimal within an operational range. These findings represent first demonstration properties learning establish a natural setting role neuronal plasticity.