title: Notch is required for long-term memory in Drosophila.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4004, USA.
authors.forename: Asaf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Presente
authors.forename: Randy S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Boyles
authors.forename: Christine N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Serway
authors.forename: J Steven
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: de Belle
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Andres
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C497759:N protein, Drosophila; D051880:Receptors, Notch