Developmental role of GABAB(1) receptors in Drosophila

Brain Res Dev Brain Res. 2005 Aug 8;158(1-2):111-4. doi: 10.1016/j.devbrainres.2005.06.005.

Abstract

Previously, an RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of GABAB(1) subunit in adult Drosophila was used for behavioral studies. Here we report on developmental deficits caused by embryonic Drosophila GABAB(1) RNAi and drug antagonism. Injecting embryos with CGP54626 (a GABAB receptor antagonist) reduced hatching and caused lethality. Similar effects were produced by injecting embryos with GABAB(1) double-stranded RNA (RNAi). The surviving GABAB(1) RNAi larvae were significantly smaller than controls and showed a peculiar phenotype; their tracheae were folded. Our results suggest that GABAB receptors are required for normal development and that the Drosophila model could be used to investigate the participating molecular mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Blotting, Northern / methods
  • Drosophila
  • Embryonic Development / drug effects
  • Embryonic Development / genetics
  • Embryonic Development / physiology*
  • GABA Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Larva
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / pharmacology
  • Phenotype
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / pharmacology
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, GABA-B / deficiency*
  • Receptors, GABA-B / physiology*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods

Substances

  • GABA Antagonists
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, GABA-B
  • CGP 54626