The Drosophila photoreceptor as a model system for studying signalling at membrane contact sites

Biochem Soc Trans. 2016 Apr 15;44(2):447-51. doi: 10.1042/BST20150256.

Abstract

Several recent studies have demonstrated the existence of membrane contact sites (MCS) between intracellular organelles in eukaryotic cells. Recent exciting studies have also demonstrated the existence of biomolecular interactions at these contact sites in mediating changes in the membrane composition of the cellular compartments. However, the role of such contact sites in regulating organelle function and physiological processes remains less clear. In this review we discuss the existence of a contact site between the plasma membrane (PM) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) inDrosophilaphotoreceptors. Further, we discuss the role of specific proteins present at this location in regulating phospholipid turnover and its impact in regulating a physiological process, namely phototransduction.

Keywords: 5)P2] turnover; 5-bisphosphate [PI(4; Drosophila; RDGB; lipid transfer proteins; membrane contact sites; micovillar photoreceptors; phosphatidylinositol 4.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila
  • Models, Biological*
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*