Download or read book Genetic and Evolutionary Analysis of the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction written by and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although evolution of brains and behaviors is of fundamental biological importance, we lack comprehensive understanding of the general principles governing these processes or the specific mechanisms and molecules through which the evolutionary changes are effected. Because synapses are the basic structural and functional units of nervous systems, one way to address these problems is to dissect the genetic and molecular pathways responsible for morphological evolution of a defined synapse. I have undertaken such an analysis by examining morphology of the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in wild caught D. melanogaster as well as in over 20 other species of Drosophila. Whereas variation in NMJ morphology within a species is limited, I discovered a surprisingly extensive variation among different species. Compared with evolution of other morphological traits, NMJ morphology appears to be evolving very rapidly. Moreover, my data indicate that natural selection rather than genetic drift is primarily responsible for evolution of NMJ morphology. To dissect underlying molecular mechanisms that may govern NMJ growth and evolutionary divergence, I focused on a naturally occurring variant in D. melanogaster that causes NMJ overgrowth. I discovered that the variant mapped to Mob2, a gene encoding a kinase adapter protein originally described in yeast as a member of the Mitotic Exit Network (MEN). I have subsequently examined mutations in the Drosophila orthologs of all the core components of the yeast MEN and found that all of them function as part of a common pathway that acts presynaptically to negatively regulate NMJ growth. As in the regulation of yeast cytokinesis, these components of the MEN appear to act ultimately by regulating actin dynamics during the process of bouton growth and division. These studies have thus led to the discovery of an entirely new role for the MEN--regulation of synaptic growth--that is separate from its function in cell division. This work has identified a rich source of material for discovery of novel genes and mechanisms that regulate synaptic growth and development, and has also provided new insights into the mechanisms that underlie morphological evolution of nervous systems.
Download or read book Neuromuscular Junctions in Drosophila written by and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 1999-04-29 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Neuromuscular Junctions in Drosophila gathers the main contributions that research using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has made in the area of synapse development, synapse physiology, and excitability of muscles and nerve cells. The chapters in this book represent a synthesis of major advances in our understanding of neuronal development and synaptic physiology, which have been obtained using the above approach.This book is directed to the general neuroscience audience: researchers, instructors, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates who are interested in the mechanisms of synapse development and physiology. However, the book will also be a valuable resource for those that use the fruit fly as a model system in their laboratories.Key Features* Synthesizes the genetic approaches used to study synaptic development and function at the neuromuscular junction, using flies as a model system* Covers major recent advances in muscle development, pathfinding, synapse maturation and plasticity, exo- and endocytosis, and ion channel function* Written in clear language that is easily understandable to readers not already familiar with fruit fly research* Includes numerous diagrams and extensive reference lists
Download or read book A Genetic Analysis of Synaptic Plasticity at the Neuromuscular Junction in Drosophila written by Sophie Ann Petersen and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Comparative Study on Drosophila Larval Locomotion and Neuromuscular Junction Morphology written by Emma Yunyi Yang and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Closely related Drosophila species are ideal models for understanding evolutionary processes. Here we characterize phenotypic variations in locomotion patterns and Neuromuscular Junction morphology within related Drosophila species, D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia, D. pseudoobscura, and D. busckii, and demonstrate possible mechanisms underlying these phenotypic differences. We describe larval peristaltic crawling in terms of speed, rate of contractions and dispersal efficiency. Comparisons across species show species-specific pattern of larval locomotion. Quantitative analyses on the NMJ anatomy reveal that the pattern of NMJ morphology correlates with larval locomotor behaviors, and suggests the observed differences in locomotion may be explained by variations in NMJ morphology. We also perform hybrid studies to investigate the inheritance pattern of these traits by using the sibling species D. melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. sechellia. We are able to demonstrate that NMJ formation, larval movement speed, and larval dispersal efficiency are associated with X-linked genes, while the rate of peristaltic contractions is maternally influenced.
Download or read book A Molecular and Genetic Analysis of Neuromuscular Connectivity and Synaptic Growth in Drosophila Melanogaster written by Hong Iris Wan and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Muscle Development in Drosophilia written by Helen Sink and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-02-02 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The different aspects of muscle development are considered from cellular, molecular and genetic viewpoints, and the text is supported by black/white and color illustrations. The book will appeal to those studying muscle development and muscle biology in any organism.
Download or read book The Drosophila Serrate is Required for Synaptic Structure and Function at Larval Neuromuscular Junctions written by and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model system to identify genes involved in synaptic growth and function. In Drosophila, the Serrate (Ser) gene encodes a transmembrane protein that is a ligand for Notch receptor. Several previous studies implicated a role for Serrate in normal wing development and patterning. In this study, I demonstrate that Serrate is required for normal synaptic growth and function. I characterized the phenotype of a Serrate mutation (serB936) that was identified by an EMS-induced genetic screen aimed at identifying novel genes that play a role in synaptic growth and function. Co-localization studies show that Serrate protein is expressed at both the pre- and postsynaptic side of larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Mutations in ser impair synaptic transmission at larval NMJs. This defect is entirely presynaptic, as nerve-evoked excitatory junction potentials (EJP) and quantal content (QC) of neurotransmitter release are significantly reduced when compared to wild-type control. Further, mutations in ser also alter the growth of the NMJ and the underlying muscle. Mutations in ser significantly reduce the size of larval body wall muscles (length and surface area) as well as the number and size of synaptic boutons, and the number of secondary axonal branches. Ubiquitous or muscle-specific expression of normal Serrate in serB936 mutants restores a normal muscle size but not a normal size and structure of the innervating NMJ. However, expression of normal Serrate in the motor axon restores a normal number of synaptic boutons and secondary branches at serB936 mutant NMJs. In addition, it restores normal neurotransmitter release. These data suggest that Serrate protein is required presynaptically for normal synaptic growth and function. Interestingly, overexpression of Serrate in a wild type background resulted in similar phenotypes than to those of loss-of-function mutants. In conclusion, these data suggest a new functional role for Serrate in synaptic growth and function.
Download or read book Drosophila Neurobiology written by Bing Zhang and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 552 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's long-running course, "Drosophila Neurobiology: A Laboratory Manual" offers practical advice to all researchers interested in using "Drosophila" as an experimental model for investigating the nervous system.
Download or read book Behavioral Genetics of the Fly Drosophila Melanogaster written by Josh Dubnau and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2014-06-26 with total page 309 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A comprehensive portrayal of the behaviour genetics of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and the methods used in these studies.
Download or read book Drosophila Protocols written by William Sullivan and published by CSHL Press. This book was released on 2000 with total page 798 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This exceptional laboratory manual describes thirty-seven procedures most likely to be used in the next decade for molecular, biochemical, and cellular studies on Drosophila. They were selected after extensive consultation with the research community and rigorously edited for clarity, uniformity, and conciseness.The methods included permit investigation of chromosomes, cell biology, molecular biology, genomes, biochemistry, and development. Each protocol includes the basic information needed by novices, with sufficient detail to be valuable to experienced investigators. Each method is carefully introduced and illustrated with figures, tables, illustrations, and examples of the data obtainable. The book's appendices include key aspects of Drosophila biology, essential solutions, buffers, and recipes.An evolution of Michael Ashburner's 1989 classic Drosophila: A Laboratory Manual, this book is an essential addition to the personal library of Drosophila investigators and an incomparable resource for other research groups with goals likely to require fly-based technical approaches.
Download or read book Biology of Drosophila written by Milislav Demerec and published by CSHL Press. This book was released on 1994 with total page 650 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biology of Drosophila was first published by John Wiley and Sons in 1950. Until its appearance, no central, synthesized source of biological data on Drosophila melanogaster was available, despite the fly's importance to science for three decades. Ten years in the making, it was an immediate success and remained in print for two decades. However, original copies are now very hard to find. This facsimile edition makes available to the fly community once again its most enduring work of reference.
Download or read book The Fly Neuromuscular Junction Structure and Function written by Vivian Budnik and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2006-11-02 with total page 421 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has become one of the most powerful model systems to ask key neurobiological questions. This synapse is unparalleled by its accessibility, its simplicity, and the ability to manipulate genes important for synapse development and function. Its synapses have properties shared by many organisms including humans. The vast majority of genes that when mutated cause congenital disorders of the nervous system in humans, are present in the fruit fly genome, and fly models of human disorders are available. Thus, this preparation is a powerful tool to understand the normal function of these genes. This book reviews outstanding work by recognized leaders in the fields of Drosophila cellular neurogenetics including developmental neurobiology, mechanisms of synaptic function, and experience dependent changes at synapses. The book also includes step-by-step protocols to study the cellular biology of the NMJ, making it a vital resource for researchers beginning their investigations with this system, for those who are training students and postdoctoral fellows in this area, or simply as a general reference material for neuroscientists and neuroscience professors in general.* Provides a synthesis of the main topics in modern neurogenetics* Includes step-by-step protocols for the use of the Drosophila NMJ system in neurobiology lab research* Offers genetic approaches to study synapse development and function*
Download or read book Muscle Homeostasis and Regeneration written by Antonio Musarò and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2020-11-20 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book is a collection of original research and review articles addressing the intriguing field of the cellular and molecular players involved in muscle homeostasis and regeneration. One of the most ambitious aspirations of modern medical science is the possibility of regenerating any damaged part of the body, including skeletal muscle. This desire has prompted clinicians and researchers to search for innovative technologies aimed at replacing organs and tissues that are compromised. In this context, the papers, collected in this book, addressing a specific aspects of muscle homeostasis and regeneration under physiopathologic conditions, will help us to better understand the underlying mechanisms of muscle healing and will help to design more appropriate therapeutic approaches to improve muscle regeneration and to counteract muscle diseases.
Download or read book Drosophila written by Therese A. Markow and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2005-11-01 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Anyone wishing to tap the research potential of the hundreds of Drosophila species in addition to D.melanogaster will finally have a single comprehensive resource for identifying, rearing and using this diverse group of insects. This is the only group of higher eukaryotes for which the genomes of 12 species have been sequenced.The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster continues to be one of the greatest sources of information regarding the principles of heredity that apply to all animals, including humans. In reality, however, over a thousand different species of Drosophila exist, each with the potential to make their own unique contributions to the rapidly changing fields of genetics and evolution. This book, by providing basic information on how to identify and breed these other fruitflies, will allow investigators to take advantage, on a large scale, of the valuable qualities of these other Drosophila species and their newly developed genomic resources to address critical scientific questions.* Provides easy to use keys and illustrations to identify different Drosophila species* A guide to the life history differences of hundreds of species* Worldwide distribution maps of hundreds of species* Complete recipes for different Drosophila diets* Offers an analysis on how to account for species differences in designing and conducting experiments* Presents useful ideas of how to collect the many different Drosophila species in the wild
Download or read book Mechanisms of Life History Evolution written by Thomas Flatt and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2011-05-12 with total page 506 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Life history theory seeks to explain the evolution of the major features of life cycles by analyzing the ecological factors that shape age-specific schedules of growth, reproduction, and survival and by investigating the trade-offs that constrain the evolution of these traits. Although life history theory has made enormous progress in explaining the diversity of life history strategies among species, it traditionally ignores the underlying proximate mechanisms. This novel book argues that many fundamental problems in life history evolution, including the nature of trade-offs, can only be fully resolved if we begin to integrate information on developmental, physiological, and genetic mechanisms into the classical life history framework. Each chapter is written by an established or up-and-coming leader in their respective field; they not only represent the state of the art but also offer fresh perspectives for future research. The text is divided into 7 sections that cover basic concepts (Part 1), the mechanisms that affect different parts of the life cycle (growth, development, and maturation; reproduction; and aging and somatic maintenance) (Parts 2-4), life history plasticity (Part 5), life history integration and trade-offs (Part 6), and concludes with a synthesis chapter written by a prominent leader in the field and an editorial postscript (Part 7).
Download or read book The Development of Drosophila Melanogaster written by Michael Bate and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster offers the most powerful means of studying embryonic development in eukaryotes. New information from many different organ systems has accumulated rapidly in the past decade. This monograph, written by the most distinguished workers in the field, is the most authoritative and comprehensive synthesis of Drosophila developmental biology available and emphasizes the insights gained by molecular and genetic analysis. In two volumes, it is a lavishly illustrated, elegantly designed reference work illustrating principles of genetic regulation of embryogenesis that may apply to other eukaryotes.
Download or read book Drosophilidae Diptera written by Irina Brake and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2013-01-21 with total page 412 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Concerns about global biodiversity are rising dramatically, yet we are lagging behind in the most basic prerequisite for its understanding and conservation: the inventory. Insect species may make up five or ten times the number of all other plant and animal species combined, and as such they represent one of the major challenges in biosystematic science. World Catalogue of Insects is an initiative aiming at compiling worldscale, authoritative catalogues of monophyletic insect taxa. Volumes in this series contain standard nomenclatoral information on all names pertaining to the taxon treated, including type locality and distribution to the extent this is relevant. Additional information is optional, e.g., location, status and condition of types; biology; bibliographical information; pest status; vector status; etc. This volume nine focuses on Drosophilidae (Diptera). (Series: World Catalogue of Insects)
