Abstract
We show that the BMP ortholog Gbb can signal by a retrograde mechanism to regulate synapse growth of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ). gbb mutants have a reduced NMJ synapse size, decreased neurotransmitter release, and aberrant presynaptic ultrastructure. These defects are similar to those we observe in mutants of BMP receptors and Smad transcription factors. However, whereas these BMP receptors and signaling components are required in the presynaptic motoneuron, Gbb expression is required in large part in postsynaptic muscles; gbb expression in muscle rescues key aspects of the gbb mutant phenotype. Consistent with this notion, we find that blocking retrograde axonal transport by overexpression of dominant-negative p150/Glued in neurons inhibits BMP signaling in motoneurons. These experiments reveal that a muscle-derived BMP retrograde signal participates in coordinating neuromuscular synapse development and growth.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adenine Nucleotides
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Animals
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Cells, Cultured / metabolism
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Central Nervous System / embryology
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Central Nervous System / growth & development
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Central Nervous System / metabolism
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Drosophila
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Drosophila Proteins / genetics
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Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
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Dynactin Complex
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Dyneins / metabolism
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Electrophysiology
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Evoked Potentials / genetics
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
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Genes, Dominant / genetics
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Immunohistochemistry / methods
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In Situ Hybridization / methods
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Larva / genetics
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Larva / growth & development
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Larva / metabolism
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Larva / ultrastructure
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Microscopy, Electron
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Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
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Motor Neurons / metabolism
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Muscles / metabolism
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Mutation* / genetics
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Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
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Mycophenolic Acid / metabolism
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Neuromuscular Junction / embryology
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Neuromuscular Junction / growth & development*
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Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism
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Proteins / genetics
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Proteins / metabolism
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RNA / biosynthesis
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Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
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Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / physiology
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Synapses / metabolism
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Synapses / physiology*
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Synapses / ultrastructure
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Transfection
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
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Wings, Animal / embryology
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Wings, Animal / growth & development
Substances
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Adenine Nucleotides
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Drosophila Proteins
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Dynactin Complex
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Microtubule-Associated Proteins
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Proteins
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Transforming Growth Factor beta
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gbb protein, Drosophila
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mycophenolic adenine dinucleotide
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wit protein, Drosophila
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RNA
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Dyneins
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Mycophenolic Acid