Work

CRISPR-Cas-Induced Mutants Identify a Requirement for dSTIM in Larval Dopaminergic Cells of Drosophila melanogaster

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Molecular components of store-operated calcium entry have been identified in the recent past and consist of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-resident calcium sensor STIM and the plasma membrane-localized calcium channel Orai. The physiological function of STIM and Orai is best defined in vertebrate immune cells. However, genetic studies with RNAi strains in Drosophila suggest a role in neuronal development and function. We generated a CRISPR-Cas-mediated deletion for the gene encoding STIM in Drosophila (dSTIM), which we demonstrate is larval lethal. To study STIM function in neurons, we merged the CRISPR-Cas9 method with the UAS-GAL4 system to generate either tissue- or cell type-specific inducible STIM knockouts (KOs). Our data identify an essential role for STIM in larval dopaminergic cells. The molecular basis for this cell-specific requirement needs further investigation.

Source: G3 Genes Genomes Genetics

DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.038539

Authors: Trayambak Pathak, Deepti Trivedi, Gaiti Hasan

Institutions: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, National Centre for Biological Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Ion Channels and Receptors

Subfield: Sensory Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,709

Funder: National Institutes of Health