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PDF Cycling in the Dorsal Protocerebrum of the Drosophila Brain Is Not Necessary for Circadian Clock Function
Daily changes of PDF protein in the upper brain area of fruit flies are not needed for their internal clock to work
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Abstract
In Drosophila, the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) shows striking circadian oscillations in small LNv cell termini that require a functional molecular clock.
- PDF is expressed in both small and large LNvs, indicating its potential involvement in circadian regulation.
- Cyclical intensity of PDF staining is observed in small LNv cell termini, suggesting a role in synchronizing the circadian clock.
- Transgenic flies expressing a neuropeptide fusion protein do not show cyclical accumulation of PDF or ANF-GFP in small LNv termini.
- Absence of detectable PDF cycling does not affect behavioral rhythms, as flies exhibit normal anticipation in light-dark cycles and maintain rhythmicity in constant darkness.
- The molecular clock in these flies remains functional, indicating that robust PDF cycling may not be critical for circadian clock output.
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