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Lv P, Liu J, Liu X. The role of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme in the process of spermatogenesis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 39198846 PMCID: PMC11351103 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01282-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitination is crucial for controlling cellular homeostasis and protein modification, in which ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) acts as the central player in the ubiquitination system. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, which have special domains that catalyse substrates, have sequence discrepancies and modulate various pathophysiological processes in different cells of multiple organisms. E2s take part in the mitosis of primordial germ cells, meiosis of spermatocytes and the formation of mature haploid spermatids to maintain normal male fertility. In this review, we summarize the various types of E2s and their functions during distinct stages of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lv
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Andrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Institute of Andrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Institute of Andrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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2
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Ha TS, Sengupta S, Powell J, Smith DP. An angiotensin converting enzyme homolog is required for volatile pheromone detection, odorant binding protein secretion and normal courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad109. [PMID: 37283550 PMCID: PMC10484059 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In many arthropods, including insects responsible for transmission of human diseases, behaviors that include mating, aggregation, and aggression are triggered by detection of pheromones. Extracellular odorant binding proteins are critical for pheromone detection in many insects and are secreted into the fluid bathing the olfactory neuron dendrites. In Drosophila melanogaster, the odorant binding protein LUSH is essential for normal sensitivity to the volatile sex pheromone, 11-cis vaccenyl acetate (cVA). Using a genetic screen for cVA pheromone insensitivity, we identified ANCE-3, a homolog of human angiotensin converting enzyme that is required for detection of cVA pheromone. The mutants have normal dose-response curves for food odors, although olfactory neuron amplitudes are reduced in all olfactory neurons examined. ance-3 mutants have profound delays in mating, and the courtship defects are primarily but not exclusively due to loss of ance-3 function in males. We demonstrate that ANCE-3 is required in the sensillae support cells for normal reproductive behavior, and that localization of odorant binding proteins to the sensillum lymph is blocked in the mutants. Expression of an ance-3 cDNA in sensillae support cells completely rescues the cVA responses, LUSH localization, and courtship defects. We show the courtship latency defects are not due to effects on olfactory neurons in the antenna nor mediated through ORCO receptors, but instead stem from ANCE-3-dependent effects on chemosensory sensillae in other body parts. These findings reveal an unexpected factor critical for pheromone detection with profound influence on reproductive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Soo Ha
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk, 38453 Republic of Korea
| | - Samarpita Sengupta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Jordan Powell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Dean P Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
- O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
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3
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Tank W, Shippy T, Thate A, Massimino C, Hosmani PS, Flores-Gonzalez M, Mueller LA, Hunter WB, Brown SJ, D’Elia T, Saha S. Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway annotation in Diaphorina citri can reveal potential targets for RNAi-based pest management. GIGABYTE 2022; 2022:gigabyte43. [PMID: 36824528 PMCID: PMC9933519 DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is an ATP-dependent process that targets proteins for degradation by the proteasome. Here, we annotated 15 genes from the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. This psyllid vector has come to prominence in the last decade owing to its role in the transmission of the devastating bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). Infection of citrus crops by this pathogen causes Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, and results in the eventual death of citrus trees. The identification and correct annotation of these genes in D. citri will be useful for functional genomic studies to aid the development of RNAi-based management strategies aimed at reducing the spread of HLB. Investigating the effects of CLas infection on the expression of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway genes may provide new information about the role these genes play in the acquisition and transmission of CLas by D. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Tank
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Teresa Shippy
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Amanda Thate
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Wayne B. Hunter
- USDA-ARS, US Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
| | - Susan J. Brown
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Tom D’Elia
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
| | - Surya Saha
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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4
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Slater GP, Smith NMA, Harpur BA. Prospects in Connecting Genetic Variation to Variation in Fertility in Male Bees. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1251. [PMID: 34440424 PMCID: PMC8392204 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bees are economically and ecologically important pollinating species. Managed and native bee species face increasing pressures from human-created stressors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced pathogens. There has been increasing attention towards how each of these factors impacts fertility, especially sperm production and maintenance in males. Here, we turn our attention towards another important factor impacting phenotypic variation: genetics. Using honey bees as a model, we explore the current understanding of how genetic variation within and between populations contributes to variation in sperm production, sperm maintenance, and insemination success among males. We conclude with perspectives and future directions in the study of male fertility in honey bees and non-Apis pollinators more broadly, which still remain largely understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garett P. Slater
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, 901 W State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Nicholas M. A. Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Brock A. Harpur
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, 901 W State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
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5
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Ryvkin J, Bentzur A, Shmueli A, Tannenbaum M, Shallom O, Dokarker S, Benichou JIC, Levi M, Shohat-Ophir G. Transcriptome Analysis of NPFR Neurons Reveals a Connection Between Proteome Diversity and Social Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:628662. [PMID: 33867948 PMCID: PMC8044454 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.628662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behaviors are mediated by the activity of highly complex neuronal networks, the function of which is shaped by their transcriptomic and proteomic content. Contemporary advances in neurogenetics, genomics, and tools for automated behavior analysis make it possible to functionally connect the transcriptome profile of candidate neurons to their role in regulating behavior. In this study we used Drosophila melanogaster to explore the molecular signature of neurons expressing receptor for neuropeptide F (NPF), the fly homolog of neuropeptide Y (NPY). By comparing the transcription profile of NPFR neurons to those of nine other populations of neurons, we discovered that NPFR neurons exhibit a unique transcriptome, enriched with receptors for various neuropeptides and neuromodulators, as well as with genes known to regulate behavioral processes, such as learning and memory. By manipulating RNA editing and protein ubiquitination programs specifically in NPFR neurons, we demonstrate that the proper expression of their unique transcriptome and proteome is required to suppress male courtship and certain features of social group interaction. Our results highlight the importance of transcriptome and proteome diversity in the regulation of complex behaviors and pave the path for future dissection of the spatiotemporal regulation of genes within highly complex tissues, such as the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ryvkin
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Assa Bentzur
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Anat Shmueli
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Miriam Tannenbaum
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Omri Shallom
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shiran Dokarker
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jennifer I. C. Benichou
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mali Levi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Galit Shohat-Ophir
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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6
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Becnel J, Johnson O, Luo J, Nässel DR, Nichols CD. The serotonin 5-HT7Dro receptor is expressed in the brain of Drosophila, and is essential for normal courtship and mating. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20800. [PMID: 21674056 PMCID: PMC3107233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 5-HT(7) receptor remains one of the less well characterized serotonin receptors. Although it has been demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, and circadian rhythms, as well as relaxation of vascular smooth muscles in mammals, the precise mechanisms underlying these functions remain largely unknown. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an attractive model organism to study neuropharmacological, molecular, and behavioral processes that are largely conserved with mammals. Drosophila express a homolog of the mammalian 5-HT(7) receptor, as well as homologs for the mammalian 5-HT(1A), and 5-HT(2), receptors. Each fly receptor couples to the same effector pathway as their mammalian counterpart and have been demonstrated to mediate similar behavioral responses. Here, we report on the expression and function of the 5-HT(7)Dro receptor in Drosophila. In the larval central nervous system, expression is detected postsynaptically in discreet cells and neuronal circuits. In the adult brain there is strong expression in all large-field R neurons that innervate the ellipsoid body, as well as in a small group of cells that cluster with the PDF-positive LNvs neurons that mediate circadian activity. Following both pharmacological and genetic approaches, we have found that 5-HT(7)Dro activity is essential for normal courtship and mating behaviors in the fly, where it appears to mediate levels of interest in both males and females. This is the first reported evidence of direct involvement of a particular serotonin receptor subtype in courtship and mating in the fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Becnel
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental
Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans,
Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Oralee Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental
Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans,
Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Jiangnan Luo
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University,
Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University,
Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charles D. Nichols
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental
Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans,
Louisiana, United States of America
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7
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Franco M, Seyfried NT, Brand AH, Peng J, Mayor U. A novel strategy to isolate ubiquitin conjugates reveals wide role for ubiquitination during neural development. Mol Cell Proteomics 2010; 10:M110.002188. [PMID: 20861518 PMCID: PMC3098581 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m110.002188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination has essential roles in neuronal development and function. Ubiquitin proteomics studies on yeast and HeLa cells have proven very informative, but there still is a gap regarding neuronal tissue-specific ubiquitination. In an organism context, direct evidence for the ubiquitination of neuronal proteins is even scarcer. Here, we report a novel proteomics strategy based on the in vivo biotinylation of ubiquitin to isolate ubiquitin conjugates from the neurons of Drosophila melanogaster embryos. We confidently identified 48 neuronal ubiquitin substrates, none of which was yet known to be ubiquitinated. Earlier proteomics and biochemical studies in non-neuronal cell types had identified orthologs to some of those but not to others. The identification here of novel ubiquitin substrates, those with no known ubiquitinated ortholog, suggests that proteomics studies must be performed on neuronal cells to identify ubiquitination pathways not shared by other cell types. Importantly, several of those newly found neuronal ubiquitin substrates are key players in synaptogenesis. Mass spectrometry results were validated by Western blotting to confirm that those proteins are indeed ubiquitinated in the Drosophila embryonic nervous system and to elucidate whether they are mono- or polyubiquitinated. In addition to the ubiquitin substrates, we also identified the ubiquitin carriers that are active during synaptogenesis. Identifying endogenously ubiquitinated proteins in specific cell types, at specific developmental stages, and within the context of a living organism will allow understanding how the tissue-specific function of those proteins is regulated by the ubiquitin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Franco
- CIC Biogune, Bizkaia Teknologi Parkea, 48160 Derio, Spain
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8
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Olafson PU, Lohmeyer KH, Dowd SE. Analysis of expressed sequence tags from a significant livestock pest, the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), identifies transcripts with a putative role in chemosensation and sex determination. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 74:179-204. [PMID: 20572127 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most significant pests of livestock in the United States. The identification of targets for the development of novel control for this pest species, focusing on those molecules that play a role in successful feeding and reproduction, is critical to mitigating its impact on confined and rangeland livestock. A database was developed representing genes expressed at the immature and adult life stages of the stable fly, comprising data obtained from pyrosequencing both immature and adult stages and from small-scale sequencing of an antennal/maxillary palp-expressed sequence tag library. The full-length sequence and expression of 21 transcripts that may have a role in chemosensation is presented, including 13 odorant-binding proteins, 6 chemosensory proteins, and 2 odorant receptors. Transcripts with potential roles in sex determination and reproductive behaviors are identified, including evidence for the sex-specific expression of stable fly doublesex- and transformer-like transcripts. The current database will be a valuable tool for target identification and for comparative studies with other Diptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Untalan Olafson
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, Texas 78028, USA.
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9
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Schurko AM, Mazur DJ, Logsdon JM. Inventory and phylogenomic distribution of meiotic genes in Nasonia vitripennis and among diverse arthropods. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 19 Suppl 1:165-180. [PMID: 20167026 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2009.00948.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The parasitoid jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis reproduces by haplodiploidy (arrhenotokous parthenogenesis). In diploid females, meiosis occurs during oogenesis, but in haploid males spermatogenesis is ameiotic and involves a single equational division. Here we describe the phylogenomic distribution of meiotic genes in N. vitripennis and in 10 additional arthropods. Homologues for 39 meiosis-related genes (including seven meiosis-specific genes) were identified in N. vitripennis. The meiotic genes missing from N. vitripennis are also sporadically absent in other arthropods, suggesting that certain meiotic genes are dispensable for meiosis. Among an additional set of 15 genes thought to be specific for male meiosis in Drosophila, two genes (bol and crl) were identified in N. vitripennis and Apis mellifera (both for which canonical meiosis is absent in males) and in other arthropods. The distribution of meiotic genes across arthropods and the impact of gene duplications and reproductive modes on meiotic gene evolution are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Schurko
- Roy J. Carver Center for Comparative Genomics and Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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10
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Choi CH, McBride SMJ, Schoenfeld BP, Liebelt DA, Ferreiro D, Ferrick NJ, Hinchey P, Kollaros M, Rudominer RL, Terlizzi AM, Koenigsberg E, Wang Y, Sumida A, Nguyen HT, Bell AJ, McDonald TV, Jongens TA. Age-dependent cognitive impairment in a Drosophila fragile X model and its pharmacological rescue. Biogerontology 2009; 11:347-62. [PMID: 20039205 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-009-9259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome afflicts 1 in 2,500 individuals and is the leading heritable cause of mental retardation worldwide. The overriding clinical manifestation of this disease is mild to severe cognitive impairment. Age-dependent cognitive decline has been identified in Fragile X patients, although it has not been fully characterized nor examined in animal models. A Drosophila model of this disease has been shown to display phenotypes bearing similarity to Fragile X symptoms. Most notably, we previously identified naive courtship and memory deficits in young adults with this model that appear to be due to enhanced metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) signaling. Herein we have examined age-related cognitive decline in the Drosophila Fragile X model and found an age-dependent loss of learning during training. We demonstrate that treatment with mGluR antagonists or lithium can prevent this age-dependent cognitive impairment. We also show that treatment with mGluR antagonists or lithium during development alone displays differential efficacy in its ability to rescue naive courtship, learning during training and memory in aged flies. Furthermore, we show that continuous treatment during aging effectively rescues all of these phenotypes. These results indicate that the Drosophila model recapitulates the age-dependent cognitive decline observed in humans. This places Fragile X in a category with several other diseases that result in age-dependent cognitive decline. This demonstrates a role for the Drosophila Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (dFMR1) in neuronal physiology with regard to cognition during the aging process. Our results indicate that misregulation of mGluR activity may be causative of this age onset decline and strengthens the possibility that mGluR antagonists and lithium may be potential pharmacologic compounds for counteracting several Fragile X symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Choi
- Section of Molecular Cardiology and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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11
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Gomulski LM, Dimopoulos G, Xi Z, Soares MB, Bonaldo MF, Malacrida AR, Gasperi G. Gene discovery in an invasive tephritid model pest species, the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:243. [PMID: 18500975 PMCID: PMC2427042 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The medfly, Ceratitis capitata, is a highly invasive agricultural pest that has become a model insect for the development of biological control programs. Despite research into the behavior and classical and population genetics of this organism, the quantity of sequence data available is limited. We have utilized an expressed sequence tag (EST) approach to obtain detailed information on transcriptome signatures that relate to a variety of physiological systems in the medfly; this information emphasizes on reproduction, sex determination, and chemosensory perception, since the study was based on normalized cDNA libraries from embryos and adult heads. Results A total of 21,253 high-quality ESTs were obtained from the embryo and head libraries. Clustering analyses performed separately for each library resulted in 5201 embryo and 6684 head transcripts. Considering an estimated 19% overlap in the transcriptomes of the two libraries, they represent about 9614 unique transcripts involved in a wide range of biological processes and molecular functions. Of particular interest are the sequences that share homology with Drosophila genes involved in sex determination, olfaction, and reproductive behavior. The medfly transformer2 (tra2) homolog was identified among the embryonic sequences, and its genomic organization and expression were characterized. Conclusion The sequences obtained in this study represent the first major dataset of expressed genes in a tephritid species of agricultural importance. This resource provides essential information to support the investigation of numerous questions regarding the biology of the medfly and other related species and also constitutes an invaluable tool for the annotation of complete genome sequences. Our study has revealed intriguing findings regarding the transcript regulation of tra2 and other sex determination genes, as well as insights into the comparative genomics of genes implicated in chemosensory reception and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludvik M Gomulski
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 9, Pavia 27100, Italy.
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12
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Hall JC. Issues revolving round the regulation of reproductively related genes in Drosophila. J Neurogenet 2007; 21:75-103. [PMID: 17849283 DOI: 10.1080/01677060701382982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Hall
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA.
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13
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Allen MJ, Drummond JA, Sweetman DJ, Moffat KG. Analysis of two P-element enhancer-trap insertion lines that show expression in the giant fibre neuron of Drosophila melanogaster. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2006; 6:347-58. [PMID: 16879616 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2006.00263.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The giant fibre system (GFS) of Drosophila is a simple neural circuit that mediates escape responses in adult flies. Here we report the initial characterization of two genes that are preferentially expressed in the GFS. Two P-element insertion lines, carrying the GAL4 transcriptional activator, were identified that exhibited pronounced expression in elements of the GFS and relatively low levels elsewhere within the adult central nervous system. Genomic DNA flanking the P-element insertion site was recovered from each of these lines, sequenced, and nearby transcripts identified and confirmed to exhibit GFS expression by in situ hybridization. This analysis revealed that these P-elements were in previously characterized genes. Line P[GAL4]-A307 has an insert in the gene short stop for which we have identified a novel transcript, while line P[GAL4]-141 has an insert in the transcription factor ken and barbie. Here we show that ken and barbie mutants have defects in escape behaviour, behavioural responses to visual stimuli and synaptic functions in the GFS. We have therefore revealed a neural role for a transcription factor that previously had no implicated neural function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Allen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, and Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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14
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Mukai M, Kitadate Y, Arita K, Shigenobu S, Kobayashi S. Expression of meiotic genes in the germline progenitors of Drosophila embryos. Gene Expr Patterns 2006; 6:256-66. [PMID: 16412701 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2005.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2005] [Revised: 07/29/2005] [Accepted: 08/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis is one of the fundamental characteristics of germ cells. In Drosophila, genetic screens have identified many genes required for meiotic division. However, it remains elusive as to when and how these meiotic genes are activated during germline development. To obtain insights into their regulatory mechanisms, we examined the expression of 38 meiotic genes in the germline progenitors, pole cells, during embryogenesis. We found that the transcripts of 12 meiotic genes were enriched in pole cells within the embryonic gonads. Among them, bag of marbles (bam), benign gonial cell neoplasia (bgcn), deadhead (dhd), matotopetli (topi) and twine (twe) were activated only in pole cells within the gonads, whereas the transcripts from grapes (grp), Kinesin-like protein at 3A (Klp3A), pavarotti (pav), lesswright (lwr), mei-P26, Topoisomerase 2 (Top2) and out at first (oaf) were distributed ubiquitously in early embryos and then became restricted to pole cells and to a subset of somatic tissues at later embryonic stages. The remaining meiotic genes were either expressed ubiquitously in the embryos (15 genes) or were undetectable in pole cells within the gonads (11 genes). These observations suggest that pole cells have already acquired the potential to express several meiotic genes. Our data will thus provide a useful basis for analyzing how the germline acquires a potential to execute meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mukai
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.
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15
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Drapeau MD, Cyran SA, Viering MM, Geyer PK, Long AD. A cis-regulatory sequence within the yellow locus of Drosophila melanogaster required for normal male mating success. Genetics 2005; 172:1009-30. [PMID: 16272418 PMCID: PMC1456202 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.105.045666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster males perform a courtship ritual consisting of a series of dependent fixed-action patterns. The yellow (y) gene is required for normal male courtship behavior and subsequent mating success. To better characterize the requirement for y in the manifestation of innate male sexual behavior, we measured the male mating success (MMS) of 12 hypomorphic y mutants and matched-outbred-background controls using a y+ rescue element on a freely segregating minichromosome. We found that 4 hypomorphs significantly reduced MMS to varying degrees. Reduced MMS was largely independent of adult pigmentation patterns. These mutations defined a 300-bp regulatory region upstream of the transcription start, the mating-success regulatory sequence (MRS), whose function is required for normal MMS. Visualization of gene action via GFP and a Yellow antibody suggests that the MRS directs y transcription in a small number of cells in the third instar CNS, the developmental stage previously implicated in the role of y with regard to male courtship behavior. The presence of Yellow protein in these cells positively correlates with MMS in a subset of mutants. The MRS contains a regulatory sequence controlling larval pigmentation and a 35-bp sequence that is highly conserved within the genus Drosophila and is predicted to bind known transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark David Drapeau
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine 92697, USA.
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16
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Hu L, Chen Y, Evers S, Shen Y. Expression of fragile X mental retardation-1 gene with nuclear export signal mutation changes the expression profiling of mouse cerebella immortal neuronal cell. Proteomics 2005; 5:3979-90. [PMID: 16130171 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200401252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent cause of inherited mental retardation and is largely caused by a loss of expression of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), encoded by fragile X retardation gene-1 (Fmr1). FMRP is a multifunction protein, with intrinsic RNA-binding properties, which is a component of ribonucleoprotein complex associated with polyribosomes. The properties of FMRP indicate that it might participate in post-transcriptional processes in the regulation of some mRNA species, including localization, stability and translational control. However, the function of FMRP related to the pathologenesis in FXS is largely unknown. Many efforts were undertaken to identify the putative specific RNA targets as well as the FMRP-related proteins and to identify the effect of FMRP absence on the corresponding proteins. Here we present our efforts using proteomics approach to explore the differential expression profiling of mouse cerebella immortal cell, in which we changed the expression of FMRP by expressing Fmr1 gene with nuclear export signal (NES) mutation. This mutation makes FMRP unable to shuttle from nucleus to cytoplasm and leads to nuclear instead of cytoplasmic location as usual, which was hypothesized to affect the pathways of groups of RNAs or proteins related with FMRP. In present study, 56 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in transfected R2 neuronal cells, including 16 decreased expressions and 40 increased expressions. The differentially expressed proteins play roles in diverse physiological processes, such as neuronal plasticity, spermatogenesis and craniofacial and limb development etc. In addition, the expressions of three mRNA identified as FMRP targets in fragile X cell were tested in present model cells. All these results provide new insights to the role of FMRP in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiPing Hu
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
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17
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Lawniczak MKN, Begun DJ. A genome-wide analysis of courting and mating responses in Drosophila melanogaster females. Genome 2005; 47:900-10. [PMID: 15499404 DOI: 10.1139/g04-050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster, seminal fluid proteins influence several components of female physiology and behavior, including re-mating rates, ovulation and oviposition, and sperm use. It is well-known that female flies are not simply passive vessels and that female-mediated interactions with male products are important to female (and thus male) reproductive success. While the population genetics, molecular evolution and physiological effects of seminal fluid proteins have been examined, the genetics and evolution of the female side of these post-mating interactions is unexplored in spite of work showing that female genotype and female-by-male genotype interactions are important determinants of sperm competition outcomes. Here we use microarrays to identify candidate genes involved in the female side of post-mating sexual interactions. We report the results of a whole-genome oligonucleotide chip experiment that reveals 23 genes differentially expressed between virgin females exposed and unexposed to courting males, and 38 genes differentially expressed between virgin and recently mated females. Immune related genes are overrepresented among the mating-influenced candidates. We use quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR to independently assess gene expression changes for roughly half of the mating-affected candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara K N Lawniczak
- Center for Population Biology, Section of Evolution and Ecology, University of California at Davis, One Shields Avenue, CA 95616, USA.
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18
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Talyn BC, Dowse HB. The role of courtship song in sexual selection and species recognition by female Drosophila melanogaster. Anim Behav 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2003.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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19
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Donaldson TD, Noureddine MA, Reynolds PJ, Bradford W, Duronio RJ. Targeted disruption of Drosophila Roc1b reveals functional differences in the Roc subunit of Cullin-dependent E3 ubiquitin ligases. Mol Biol Cell 2004; 15:4892-903. [PMID: 15331761 PMCID: PMC524738 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e04-03-0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cullin-dependent ubiquitin ligases regulate a variety of cellular and developmental processes by recruiting specific proteins for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Cullin proteins form a scaffold for two functional modules: a catalytic module comprised of a small RING domain protein Roc1/Rbx1 and a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2), and a substrate recruitment module containing one or more proteins that bind to and bring the substrate in proximity to the catalytic module. Here, we present evidence that the three Drosophila Roc proteins are not functionally equivalent. Mutation of Roc1a causes lethality that cannot be rescued by expression of Roc1b or Roc2 by using the Roc1a promoter. Roc1a mutant cells hyperaccumulate Cubitus interruptus, a transcription factor that mediates Hedgehog signaling. This phenotype is not rescued by expression of Roc2 and only partially by expression of Roc1b. Targeted disruption of Roc1b causes male sterility that is partially rescued by expression of Roc1a by using the Roc1b promoter, but not by similar expression of Roc2. These data indicate that Roc proteins play nonredundant roles during development. Coimmunoprecipitation followed by Western or mass spectrometric analysis indicate that the three Roc proteins preferentially bind certain Cullins, providing a possible explanation for the distinct biological activities of each Drosophila Roc/Rbx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D. Donaldson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Maher A. Noureddine
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Patrick J. Reynolds
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - William Bradford
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Robert J. Duronio
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Corresponding author. E-mail address:
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20
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Zhang YQ, Matthies HJG, Mancuso J, Andrews HK, Woodruff E, Friedman D, Broadie K. The Drosophila fragile X-related gene regulates axoneme differentiation during spermatogenesis. Dev Biol 2004; 270:290-307. [PMID: 15183715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2003] [Revised: 02/02/2004] [Accepted: 02/12/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Macroorchidism (i.e., enlarged testicles) and mental retardation are the two hallmark symptoms of Fragile X syndrome (FraX). The disease is caused by loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding translational regulator. We previously established a FraX model in Drosophila, showing that the fly FMRP homologue, dFXR, acts as a negative translational regulator of microtubule-associated Futsch to control stability of the microtubule cytoskeleton during nervous system development. Here, we investigate dFXR function in the testes. Male dfxr null mutants have the enlarged testes characteristic of the disease and are nearly sterile (>90% reduced male fecundity). dFXR protein is highly enriched in Drosophila testes, particularly in spermatogenic cells during the early stages of spermatogenesis. Cytological analyses reveal that spermatogenesis is arrested specifically in late-stage spermatid differentiation following individualization. Ultrastructurally, dfxr mutants lose specifically the central pair microtubules in the sperm tail axoneme. The frequency of central pair microtubule loss becomes progressively greater as spermatogenesis progresses, suggesting that dFXR regulates microtubule stability. Proteomic analyses reveal that chaperones Hsp60B-, Hsp68-, Hsp90-related protein TRAP1, and other proteins have altered expression in dfxr mutant testes. Taken together with our previous nervous system results, these data suggest a common model in which dFXR regulates microtubule stability in both synaptogenesis in the nervous system and spermatogenesis in the testes. The characterization of dfxr function in the testes paves the way to genetic screens for modifiers of dfxr-induced male sterility, as a means to efficiently dissect FMRP-mediated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Q Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1634, USA
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21
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Drapeau MD, Radovic A, Wittkopp PJ, Long AD. A gene necessary for normal male courtship, yellow, acts downstream of fruitless in the Drosophila melanogaster larval brain. JOURNAL OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2003; 55:53-72. [PMID: 12605459 DOI: 10.1002/neu.10196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The fruitless (fru) gene is a member of the Drosophila melanogaster somatic sex determination genetic pathway. Although it has been hypothesized that the primary function of fru is to regulate a genetic hierarchy specifying development of adult male courtship behavior, genes acting downstream of fru have not yet been identified. Here we demonstrate that the yellow (y) gene is genetically downstream of fru in the 3(rd)-instar larval brain. Yellow protein is present at elevated levels in neuroblasts, which also show expression of male-specific FRU proteins, compared to control neuroblasts without FRU. A location for y downstream of fru in a genetic pathway was experimentally demonstrated by analysis of fru mutants lacking transcription of zinc-finger DNA binding domains, and of animals with temporal, spatial, or sexual mis-expression of male-specific FRU. A subset of fru and y mutants is known to reduce levels of a specific behavioral component of the male courtship ritual, wing extension, and FRU and Yellow were detected in the general region of the brain whose maleness is necessary for development of that behavior. We therefore hypothesized that ectopic expression of Yellow in the 3(rd)-instar brain, in a y null background, would rescue low levels of wing extension and male competitive mating success, and this was found to be the case. Overall, these data suggest that y is a downstream member of the fru branch of the D. melanogaster sex determination hierarchy, where it plays a currently unknown role in the development of adult male wing extension during courtship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark David Drapeau
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA.
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22
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Abstract
Male sexual behavior is increasingly the focus of genetic study in a variety of animals. Genetic analysis in the soil roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has lead to identification of genes and circuits that govern behaviors ranging from motivation and mate-searching to courtship and copulation. Some worm and fly genes have counterparts with related functions in higher animals and many more such correspondences can be expected. Analysis of mutations in mammals can potentially lead to insights into such issues as monogamous versus promiscuous sexual behavior and sexual orientation. Genetic analysis of sexual behavior has implications for understanding how the nervous system generates and controls a complex behavior. It can also help us to gain an appreciation of how behavior is encoded by genes and their regulatory sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Emmons
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
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23
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Dockendorff TC, Su HS, McBride SMJ, Yang Z, Choi CH, Siwicki KK, Sehgal A, Jongens TA. Drosophila lacking dfmr1 activity show defects in circadian output and fail to maintain courtship interest. Neuron 2002; 34:973-84. [PMID: 12086644 DOI: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)00724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X mental retardation is a prominent genetic disorder caused by the lack of the FMR1 gene product, a known RNA binding protein. Specific physiologic pathways regulated by FMR1 function have yet to be identified. Adult dfmr1 (also called dfxr) mutant flies display arrhythmic circadian activity and have erratic patterns of locomotor activity, whereas overexpression of dFMR1 leads to a lengthened period. dfmr1 mutant males also display reduced courtship activity which appears to result from their inability to maintain courtship interest. Molecular analysis fails to reveal any defects in the expression of clock components; however, the CREB output is affected. Morphological analysis of neurons required for normal circadian behavior reveals subtle abnormalities, suggesting that defects in axonal pathfinding or synapse formation may cause the observed behavioral defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Dockendorff
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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24
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Jones D, Crowe E, Stevens TA, Candido EPM. Functional and phylogenetic analysis of the ubiquitylation system in Caenorhabditis elegans: ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, ubiquitin-activating enzymes, and ubiquitin-like proteins. Genome Biol 2002; 3:RESEARCH0002. [PMID: 11806825 PMCID: PMC150449 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2001-3-1-research0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2001] [Revised: 09/20/2001] [Accepted: 10/24/2001] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eukaryotic ubiquitin-conjugation system sets the turnover rate of many proteins and includes activating enzymes (E1s), conjugating enzymes (UBCs/E2s), and ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3s), which are responsible for activation, covalent attachment and substrate recognition, respectively. There are also ubiquitin-like proteins with distinct functions, which require their own E1s and E2s for attachment. We describe the results of RNA interference (RNAi) experiments on the E1s, UBC/E2s and ubiquitin-like proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans. We also present a phylogenetic analysis of UBCs. RESULTS The C. elegans genome encodes 20 UBCs and three ubiquitin E2 variant proteins. RNAi shows that only four UBCs are essential for embryogenesis: LET-70 (UBC-2), a functional homolog of yeast Ubc4/5p, UBC-9, an ortholog of yeast Ubc9p, which transfers the ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO, UBC-12, an ortholog of yeast Ubc12p, which transfers the ubiquitin-like modifier Rub1/Nedd8, and UBC-14, an ortholog of Drosophila Courtless. RNAi of ubc-20, an ortholog of yeast UBC1, results in a low frequency of arrested larval development. A phylogenetic analysis of C. elegans, Drosophila and human UBCs shows that this protein family can be divided into 18 groups, 13 of which include members from all three species. The activating enzymes and the ubiquitin-like proteins NED-8 and SUMO are required for embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS The number of UBC genes appears to increase with developmental complexity, and our results suggest functional overlap in many of these enzymes. The ubiquitin-like proteins NED-8 and SUMO and their corresponding activating enzymes are required for embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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25
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Labourier E, Blanchette M, Feiger JW, Adams MD, Rio DC. The KH-type RNA-binding protein PSI is required for Drosophila viability, male fertility, and cellular mRNA processing. Genes Dev 2002; 16:72-84. [PMID: 11782446 PMCID: PMC155316 DOI: 10.1101/gad.948602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Direct interactions between RNA-binding proteins and snRNP particles modulate eukaryotic pre-mRNA processing patterns to control gene expression. Here, we report that the conserved U1 snRNP-interacting RNA-binding protein PSI is essential for Drosophila viability. A null PSI mutation is recessive lethal at the first-instar larval stage, and lethality is fully rescued by transgenes expressing the PSI protein. A mutant transgene that lacks the PSI-U1 snRNP-interaction domain restores viability but shows courtship behavior abnormalities and meiosis defects during spermatogenesis, resulting in a complete male sterility phenotype. Using cDNA microarrays, we have identified specific target mRNAs with altered expression profiles in these mutant males. A subset of these transcripts is also found associated with PSI in endogenous immunopurified ribonucleoprotein complexes. One specific target, the hrp40/squid transcript, shows an altered pre-mRNA splicing pattern in PSI mutant testes. We conclude that a functional association between the PSI protein and the spliceosomal U1 snRNP particle is required for normal Drosophila development and for the processing of specific PSI-interacting cellular transcripts. These results also validate the use of cDNA microarrays to characterize in vivo RNA-processing defects and alternative pre-mRNA splicing patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Labourier
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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26
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Abstract
Courtship is a complex behavior in Drosophila that recruits a wide range of genes for its realization, including those concerning sex determination, ion channels, and circadian rhythms. Results from different experimental approaches-behavioral and genetic comparisons between species, analysis of mutants and mosaics, and identification of specific sensory stimuli-sketch the outlines of a set of pleiotropic genes acting on a distributed system in the brain to produce the species-specific sequence of responses and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Greenspan
- The Neurosciences Institute, San Diego, California 92121, USA.
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