Abstract
Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-beta) comprise a superfamily of secreted proteins with diverse functions in patterning and cell division control. TGF-beta signaling has been implicated in synapse assembly and plasticity in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Recently, wishful thinking, a Drosophila gene that encodes a protein related to BMP type II receptors, has been shown to be required for the normal function and development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). These findings suggest that a TGF-beta-related ligand activates a signaling cascade involving type I and II receptors and the Smad family of transcription factors to orchestrate the assembly of the NMJ. Here we demonstrate that the TGF-beta type I receptor Saxophone and the downstream transcription factor Mothers against dpp (Mad) are essential for the normal structural and functional development of the Drosophila NMJ, a synapse that displays activity-dependent plasticity.
Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Activin Receptors, Type I / deficiency
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Activin Receptors, Type I / genetics
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Activin Receptors, Type I / physiology*
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Animals
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DNA-Binding Proteins / deficiency
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
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Drosophila
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Drosophila Proteins / deficiency
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Drosophila Proteins / genetics
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Drosophila Proteins / physiology*
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Mutation / physiology
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Neuromuscular Junction / embryology
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Neuromuscular Junction / genetics
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Neuromuscular Junction / physiology*
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Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
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Organ Specificity / physiology
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Protein Processing, Post-Translational / physiology
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
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Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I
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Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / deficiency
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Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
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Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
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Synapses / genetics
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Synapses / metabolism*
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Transcription Factors / deficiency
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / physiology*
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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MAD protein, Drosophila
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Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
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Transcription Factors
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sax protein, Drosophila
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
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Activin Receptors, Type I
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Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I