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Dissertation
ELP3 plays an active role in synaptic bouton expansion and sleep in Drosophila
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3165
Abstract
ELP3 is a histone acetyltransferase that is the catalytic subunit of the Elongator complex and it plays roles in transcriptional elongation in the nucleus and exocytosis and tRNA modification in the cytoplasm. ELP3 has also been shown to control the migration and differentiation of cortical neurons via the acetylation of [alpha]-tubulin. It is thus proposed that ELP3 may harbor multiple functions in separate cell compartments. Importantly, ELP3 misregulation is involved in various neurological disorders including Familial Dysautonomia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. We investigated the role of Dmel\ELP3, the Drosophila human ELP3 homolog, in multicellular Drosophila development, specifically in the nervous system. Through the utilization of the UASGAL4 system and the highly tractable Drosophila larval NMJ, we show that ELP3 is essential for multicellular development and that reduction of ELP3 in the nervous system results in hyperactive, viable flies that form an expansion of synaptic boutons. We also identify three novel target genes involved in sleep, stress response, hyperactivity, and synaptic function that are affected by ELP3 misregulation. Our results indicate that Dmel\ELP3 plays an active role in synaptic bouton expansion and sleep need in Drosophila.
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Details
- Title
- ELP3 plays an active role in synaptic bouton expansion and sleep in Drosophila
- Creators
- Neetu Singh - DU
- Contributors
- Felice Elefant (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biology; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3165; 991014632384804721