title: Genetic analysis of cholinergic nerve terminal function in invertebrates.
abstract: Genetic analysis of nerve terminal function is proving fruitful and studies on invertebrates are making a substantial impact. In this survey, particular emphasis has been placed on cholinergic chemical synaptic transmission. The advanced genetics of Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans with their rich diversity of behavioural and biochemical mutants is providing new insights into the functions of key molecular components of synapses. A 'space-invader' mutant of Periplaneta americana permits investigations of competition between neurons during synaptogenesis and its impact on neurotransmitter release. The growing importance of the C. elegans genome as a major research resource is emphasized in this survey.
authors.affiliation: Babraham Institute Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Baylis
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Sattelle
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D003712:Dendrites / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D007395:Interneurons / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010526:Periplaneta / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D000110:Acetylcholinesterase; D000109:Acetylcholine