Review
Neurosciences
Massimo M. Onesto, Caitlin A. Short, Sarah K. Rempel, Timothy S. Catlett, Timothy M. Gomez
Summary: Growth cones navigate through developing organisms by probing extracellular cues, with the ability of various growth factors to guide axons now underappreciated. In vitro experiments have shown the effects of these growth factors on axon morphogenesis and signaling mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Han-Hsuan Liu, Chien-Hsiang Hsu, Lily Y. Jan, Yuh-Nung Jan
Summary: The study established a photo-switchable assay system for detecting dendrite degeneration and repair, and used the WldS protein as a test case to investigate the mechanisms underlying dendrite regeneration and repair.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Erin N. N. Lottes, Sumit Nanda, Andre Golshir, Atit A. A. Patel, Giorgio A. A. Ascoli, Daniel N. N. Cox
Summary: This research revealed the role of PP2A phosphatase in regulating dendrite development in Drosophila neurons. The PP2A complex has cell-type specific regulatory effects and is involved in regulating cytoskeletal organization and organelle localization.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Stephanie A. Getz, Kamran Tariq, Dylan H. Marchand, Conor R. Dickson, James R. Howe, Patrick D. Skelton, Wei Wang, Meijie Li, Jeremy M. Barry, Jennifer Hong, Bryan W. Luikart
Summary: PTEN loss leads to dendritic overgrowth in neurons, possibly due to increased microtubule polymerization rate. Inhibiting microtubule polymerization can reduce dendritic overgrowth in Pten KO neurons and improve performance in spatial memory tasks.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Eswar Prasad R. Iyer, Srividya Chandramouli Iyer, Sumit Nanda, Myurajan Rubaharan, Giorgio A. Ascoli, Daniel N. Cox
Summary: This study reveals the important role of a previously uncharacterized gene, CG3995, in cell type-specific dendritic development in Drosophila. The gene encodes a zinc-finger BED-type protein that regulates proportional growth and branching of dendritic arbors. It functions in both transcriptional and translational cellular pathways, promoting protein translation and ribosome trafficking along the dendritic arbor.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Brikha R. Shrestha, Anita Burgos, Wesley B. Grueber
Summary: The study reveals the important role of the cell surface molecule Basigin in complex dendrite morphogenesis, with loss of the gene leading to defects in dendrite formation. Knock down of Basigin also affects dendrite elaboration of class IV neurons, suggesting a non-autonomous role in dendrite development.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Emily L. Heckman, Chris Q. Doe
Summary: The organization of neural circuits is crucial for nervous system function. In this study, the authors investigate how dendrites of interneurons detect and match variation in presynaptic partner location and input strength. They find that presynaptic contact stimulates dendrite outgrowth locally, while presynaptic activity inhibits postsynaptic dendrite outgrowth globally. These mechanisms are active during an early larval critical period for structural plasticity. The findings provide new insights into dendrite development and mechanisms that allow dendrites to respond flexibly to developmental variability in presynaptic inputs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evan Witt, Nicolas Svetec, Sigi Benjamin, Li Zhao
Summary: Evolutionarily young genes tend to be preferentially expressed in the testis, while older genes are more likely to be biased towards ovary expression in Drosophila. The relationship between gene age and expression is strongest in the ovary and weakest in the testis. Furthermore, upstream transcription factor (TF) expression is highly predictive of gene expression in the ovary, while testis gene expression is influenced by both TF expression and open promoter chromatin.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Mireya Ruiz-Losada, Cristian Perez-Reyes, Carlos Estella
Summary: Appendage development in Drosophila requires coordination of signaling pathways and transcription factors to pattern the leg along three main axes. The ventro-lateral expression of transcription factors Fd4 and Fd5 in response to Dpp signaling plays a crucial role in leg development. These genes have redundant functions during sex comb formation in the prothoracic leg.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Ravi Das, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Jamin M. Letcher, Jenna M. Harris, Sumit Nanda, Istvan Foldi, Erin N. Lottes, Hansley M. Bobo, Benjamin D. Grantier, Jozsef Mihaly, Giorgio A. Ascoli, Daniel N. Cox
Summary: Dendrite shape is influenced by cytoskeletal fiber organization and dynamics, impacting functional connectivity. Formin 3 is identified as a key regulator of cytoskeletal architecture in nociceptive sensory neurons, playing a crucial role in dendritic arbor complexity. Mutations in the human ortholog of Formin 3 have been linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, highlighting the importance of understanding cytoskeletal regulation in neuronal function and related neuropathies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irina Ogneva, Yulia S. Zhdankina, Oleg Kotov
Summary: Studies on the reproductive function under long-term space flight conditions are important for deep space exploration. The research found that the motility of Drosophila melanogaster spermatozoa decreased after space flight, but cellular respiration and protein expression remained unchanged. The use of specific inhibitors can restore the motility of sperm.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Kulshammer, Merve Kilinc, Gabor Csordas, Tina Bresser, Hendrik Nolte, Mirka Uhlirova
Summary: Cancer development is affected by aberrant sensing and interpretation of mechanical cues and force-generating properties. In this study, the researchers identified the actin crosslinking protein Cheerio (Cher) and its mechanosensitive region (MSR) as instrumental to the malignancy of Ras-driven tumors in Drosophila epithelia. They showed that stimulating myosin activity can rescue the impaired growth and cytoskeletal contractility of cher-deficient tumors. The study also found that Cher interacts with several components of the cell cortex, including Bbg, Kst, and 14-3-3 epsilon, which were identified as tumor suppressors. This highlights the importance of Cher in controlling the contractile state of the cytoskeleton through interactions with myosin and specific components of the cell cortex.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sashidar Bandaru, Chandu Ala, Alex-Xianghua Zhou, Levent M. Akyurek
Summary: Filamin A (FLNA) plays a crucial role in cell motility and vascular development by stabilizing actin networks and interacting with transcription factors and cell signaling molecules. Mutations in FLNA can lead to cardiovascular malformations in humans, highlighting its importance in cardiovascular health. The interaction of FLNA with transcription factors and cell signaling molecules dictates its function in vascular cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Frappaolo, Roberto Piergentili, Maria Grazia Giansanti
Summary: Drosophila dividing spermatocytes provide a suitable cell system to study the reorganization of microtubule and actin cytoskeleton systems during cell division. The unique characteristics of Drosophila male meiotic cells make them amenable to investigate the molecular pathways regulating spindle microtubules and cytokinesis, with important implications for cancer and other diseases.
Article
Cell Biology
Istvan Foldi, Krisztina Toth, Rita Gombos, Peter Gaszler, Peter Gorog, Ioannis Zygouras, Beata Bugyi, Jozsef Mihaly
Summary: Research has shown that DAAM is the predominant formin involved in axonal growth in Drosophila, and its actin-processing activity is essential for axonal growth. Additionally, a novel MT-binding motif within the FH2 domain of DAAM has been identified, which is required for proper growth and guidance of mushroom body axons.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sumit Nanda, Hanbo Chen, Ravi Das, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Hermann Cuntz, Benjamin Torben-Nielsen, Hanchuan Peng, Daniel N. Cox, Erik De Schutter, Giorgio A. Ascoli
Review
Oncology
Ravi Das, Stefan Wieser, Michael Krieg
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Biology
Liu He, Robbelien Kooistra, Ravi Das, Ellen Oudejans, Eric van Leen, Johannes Ziegler, Sybren Portegies, Bart de Haan, Anna van Regteren Altena, Riccardo Stucchi, A. F. Maarten Altelaar, Stefan Wieser, Michael Krieg, Casper C. Hoogenraad, Martin Harterink
Article
Neurosciences
Cortnie Hartwig, Gretchen Macias Mendez, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Alysia D. Vrailas-Mortimer, Stephanie A. Zlatic, Amanda A. H. Freeman, Avanti Gokhale, Mafalda Concilli, Erica Werner, Christie Sapp Savas, Samantha Rudin-Rush, Laura Palmer, Nicole Shearing, Lindsey Margewich, Jacob McArthy, Savanah Taylor, Blaine Roberts, Vladimir Lupashin, Roman S. Polishchuk, Daniel N. Cox, Ramon A. Jorquera, Victor Faundez
Summary: Rare genetic diseases affecting the nervous system are often caused by mutations in ATP7A and ATP7B genes, leading to disruptions in copper homeostasis. These disruptions can result in alterations in epidermis, aminergic, sensory, and motor neurons in Drosophila, with effects on mitochondrial content at synapses and synaptic morphology, transmission, and plasticity. The integrity of Golgi-dependent copper homeostasis mechanisms involving ATP7 and COG is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial function and synaptic localization.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sumit Nanda, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Daniel N. Cox, Giorgio A. Ascoli
Article
Developmental Biology
Ravi Das, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Jamin M. Letcher, Jenna M. Harris, Sumit Nanda, Istvan Foldi, Erin N. Lottes, Hansley M. Bobo, Benjamin D. Grantier, Jozsef Mihaly, Giorgio A. Ascoli, Daniel N. Cox
Summary: Dendrite shape is influenced by cytoskeletal fiber organization and dynamics, impacting functional connectivity. Formin 3 is identified as a key regulator of cytoskeletal architecture in nociceptive sensory neurons, playing a crucial role in dendritic arbor complexity. Mutations in the human ortholog of Formin 3 have been linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, highlighting the importance of understanding cytoskeletal regulation in neuronal function and related neuropathies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ravi Das, Li-Chun Lin, Frederic Catala-Castro, Nawaphat Malaiwong, Neus Sanfeliu-Cerdan, Montserrat Porta-de-la-Riva, Aleksandra Pidde, Michael Krieg
Summary: The study investigates the mechanics, molecules, and neurons responsible for proprioception in Caenorhabditis elegans, revealing how mechanosensation shapes the orbital trajectory to a well-defined limit cycle. The research utilized genome editing, force spectroscopy, and multiscale modeling to show that proprioceptors encode body posture and inform mechanosensitive ion channels during locomotion. Contrary to the widely accepted model of proprioceptive stretch reception, the study found that proprioceptors activate locally under compressive stresses, leading to compartmentalized activity within long axons delimited by curvature-dependent mechanical stresses.
Article
Neurosciences
Michael Krieg, Aleksandra Pidde, Ravi Das
Summary: This article discusses the importance of proprioception and visceral mechanosensation in providing information about the location and deformation of body parts. It highlights the crucial role of an internal feedback mechanism in maintaining optimal driving patterns and proposes the use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for future studies on body-brain interactions in mammals.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Alessandro Falconieri, Sara De Vincentiis, Valentina Cappello, Domenica Convertino, Ravi Das, Samuele Ghignoli, Sofia Figoli, Stefano Luin, Frederic Catala-Castro, Laura Marchetti, Ugo Borello, Michael Krieg, Vittoria Raffa
Summary: Mechanical force plays a crucial role in guiding axon outgrowth and synapse formation, and this process is known as stretch growth. However, the mechanism of how neurons convert mechanical input into signaling pathways is still not well understood. Additionally, the coordination between stretch growth and the addition of new mass along the axon remains unanswered. In this study, it is demonstrated that magnetic nano-pulling induces remodeling of the axonal cytoskeleton, leading to an increase in microtubule density and subsequent accumulation of organelles and signaling vesicles. This promotes local translation and sustains enhanced axon outgrowth and synapse maturation.
Article
Biology
Nathaniel J. Himmel, Akira Sakurai, Atit A. Patel, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Jamin M. Letcher, Maggie N. Benson, Thomas R. Gray, Gennady S. Cymbalyuk, Daniel N. Cox
Summary: Individual sensory neurons can respond to various stimuli and drive different behaviors. The ability of multimodal nociceptor neurons to distinguish harmful and innocuous stimuli is crucial for survival. Disruptions in this ability can lead to neuropathic pain. In this study, the molecular factors underlying multimodality in Drosophila CIII neurons are investigated. The findings suggest a conserved role for anoctamins in nociception and provide a candidate system for studying the mechanisms of neuropathic pain.
Article
Neurosciences
Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Erin N. N. Lottes, Sumit Nanda, Andre Golshir, Atit A. A. Patel, Giorgio A. A. Ascoli, Daniel N. N. Cox
Summary: This research revealed the role of PP2A phosphatase in regulating dendrite development in Drosophila neurons. The PP2A complex has cell-type specific regulatory effects and is involved in regulating cytoskeletal organization and organelle localization.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Eswar Prasad R. Iyer, Srividya Chandramouli Iyer, Sumit Nanda, Myurajan Rubaharan, Giorgio A. Ascoli, Daniel N. Cox
Summary: This study reveals the important role of a previously uncharacterized gene, CG3995, in cell type-specific dendritic development in Drosophila. The gene encodes a zinc-finger BED-type protein that regulates proportional growth and branching of dendritic arbors. It functions in both transcriptional and translational cellular pathways, promoting protein translation and ribosome trafficking along the dendritic arbor.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sumit Nanda, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Daniel N. Cox, Giorgio A. Ascoli
Summary: This study explains the reconstruction and quantification of multi-signal neuronal morphology using microtubules and F-actin dendritic distributions in sensory neurons from fly larvae as examples. It includes a detailed procedure for analyzing channel-specific morphometrics and demonstrates how to run a cytoskeleton-constrained simulation of dendritic tree generation and validate it against experimental data. The protocol is applicable to various species, developmental stages, brain regions, cell classes, branching processes, and signal types.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Sumit Nanda, Ravi Das, Shatabdi Bhattacharjee, Daniel N. Cox, Giorgio A. Ascoli
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2018)