Baboon/dSmad2 TGF-beta signaling is required during late larval stage for development of adult-specific neurons

EMBO J. 2006 Feb 8;25(3):615-27. doi: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600962. Epub 2006 Jan 26.

Abstract

The intermingling of larval functional neurons with adult-specific neurons during metamorphosis contributes to the development of the adult Drosophila brain. To better understand this process, we characterized the development of a dorsal cluster (DC) of Atonal-positive neurons that are born at early larval stages but do not undergo extensive morphogenesis until pupal formation. We found that Baboon(Babo)/dSmad2-mediated TGF-beta signaling, known to be essential for remodeling of larval functional neurons, is also indispensable for proper morphogenesis of these adult-specific neurons. Mosaic analysis reveals slowed development of mutant DC neurons, as evidenced by delays in both neuronal morphogenesis and atonal expression. We observe similar phenomena in other adult-specific neurons. We further demonstrate that Babo/dSmad2 operates autonomously in individual neurons and specifically during the late larval stage. Our results suggest that Babo/dSmad2 signaling prior to metamorphosis may be widely required to prepare neurons for the dynamic environment present during metamorphosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activin Receptors, Type I / genetics
  • Activin Receptors, Type I / metabolism*
  • Activin Receptors, Type II / metabolism
  • Activins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Metamorphosis, Biological
  • Morphogenesis
  • Mutation
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I
  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Smad2 Protein / genetics
  • Smad2 Protein / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Smad2 Protein
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Activins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Activin Receptors, Type I
  • Activin Receptors, Type II
  • Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I
  • put protein, Drosophila