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The Journal of Neuroscience, April 29, 2009, 29(17):5628-5639; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0794-09.2009

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Cellular/Molecular
Importin 13 Regulates Neurotransmitter Release at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction

Nikolaos Giagtzoglou,¹ Yong Qi Lin,¹ Claire Haueter,¹ and Hugo J. Bellen^1,2,3,4

¹Howard Hughes Medical Institute, ²Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, ³Department of Neuroscience, and ⁴Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030

Correspondence should be addressed to Hugo J. Bellen, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, T628, Mailstop BCM235, Houston, TX 77030. Email: hbellen{at}bcm.edu

In an unbiased genetic screen designed to isolate mutations that affect synaptic transmission, we have isolated homozygous lethal mutations in Drosophila importin 13 (imp13). Imp13 is expressed in and around nuclei of both neurons and muscles. At the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), imp13 affects muscle growth and formation of the subsynaptic reticulum without influencing any presynaptic structural features. In the absence of imp13, the probability of release of neurotransmitter and quantal content is increased, yet the abundance of the postsynaptic receptors and the amplitude of miniature excitatory junctional potentials are not affected. Interestingly, imp13 is required in the muscles to control presynaptic release. Thus, imp13 is a novel factor that affects neurotransmitter release at the fly NMJ. Its role in the context of synaptic homeostasis is discussed.

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Received Feb. 16, 2009; revised March 24, 2009; accepted March 26, 2009.

Correspondence should be addressed to Hugo J. Bellen, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, T628, Mailstop BCM235, Houston, TX 77030. Email: hbellen{at}bcm.edu

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