A Circadian Output in Drosophila Mediated by Neurofibromatosis-1 and Ras/MAPK

Sep 22, 2001Science (New York, N.Y.)

Daily biological rhythms in fruit flies linked to neurofibromatosis-1 and Ras/MAPK signaling

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Abstract

Mutant Drosophila with null mutations of the neurofibromatosis-1 (Nf1) gene exhibit circadian rhythm abnormalities.

  • Altered oscillations and levels of a clock-controlled reporter are observed in Nf1 mutant flies.
  • Increased activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is associated with Nf1 mutations.
  • Loss-of-function mutations in the Ras/MAPK pathway may rescue the circadian phenotype in these mutants.
  • Circadian oscillation of phospho-MAPK is detected near nerve terminals containing pigment-dispersing factor (PDF).
  • The findings suggest a potential connection between PDF signaling and Ras/MAPK pathways in regulating circadian behavior.

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