Notch is required for long-term memory in Drosophila.
A role for Notch in the elaboration of existing neural processes is emerging that is distinct from the increasingly well understood function of this gene in binary cell-fate decisions. Several research groups, by using a variety of organisms, have shown that Notch is important in the development of neural ultrastructure. Simultaneously, Presenilin (Psn) was identified both as a key mediator of Notch signaling and as a site of genetic lesions that cause early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Here we demonstrate that Notch loss of function produces memory deficits in Drosophila melanogaster. The effects are specific to long-term memory, which is thought to depend on ultrastructural remodeling. We propose that Notch plays an important role in the neural plasticity underlying consolidated memory.
Presente
Asaf
A
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4004, USA.
Boyles
Randy S
RS
Serway
Christine N
CN
de Belle
J Steven
JS
Andres
Andrew J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009154:Mutation; D034622:RNA Interference / Q000502:physiology; D051880:Receptors, Notch
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C497759:N protein, Drosophila; D051880:Receptors, Notch