Molecular analysis of Drosophila glutamate receptors.
Insects and other invertebrates use L-glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and at the neuromuscular junction. In contrast to the well-studied effects of L-glutamate on invertebrate muscle cells, relatively little is known about the physiological role of glutamate receptors (GluRs) in the invertebrate central nervous system. We have applied a molecular cloning approach to elucidate the molecular structure of neuronal and muscle-specific Drosophila glutamate receptor subunits (DGluRs). Several domains conserved between rat GluR subunits and DGluRs indicate regions of high functional significance. Drosophila genetics may now be used as a valuable experimental tool to gain further insight into the role of DGluRs in development, synaptic plasticity and control of gene expression.
Schuster
C M
CM
Max-Planck-Institut für Hirnforschung, Abteilung Neurochemie, Frankfurt, Federal Republic of Germany.
Ultsch
A
A
Schmitt
B
B
Betz
H
H
D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression; D005971:Glutamates / Q000502:physiology; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D005971:Glutamates; D007473:Ion Channels; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D018698:Glutamic Acid