Retrograde Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Shapes a Key Circadian Pacemaker Circuit

Jan 11, 2013The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience

Backward bone growth factor signals shape a key daily rhythm brain circuit

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Abstract

Mature circuits of specific neurons in the Drosophila brain require PDF signaling during early development.

  • The neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is crucial for synchronizing molecular oscillations in circadian pacemakers.
  • PDF is expressed in small ventral lateral neurons (sLNvs) and large ventral lateral neurons, with sLNvs being essential for maintaining behavioral rhythms.
  • PDF signaling acts through its receptor (PDFR) at postsynaptic targets to influence circuit development.
  • Axonal defects from PDF signaling disruption appear only after metamorphosis, indicating a delayed developmental response.
  • Active bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptors can prevent misrouting of neuronal circuits in PDF receptor mutants.
  • Downregulation of BMP signaling components in sLNvs mimics the effects seen in PDF signaling disruption.

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