Imaging Neuromuscular Synaptogenesis

Successful synaptogenesis requires collaboration of cellular and molecular dynamics. Whereas synaptic matchmaking relies on cell-specific recognition molecules, subsequent synaptogenesis requires proteins that are common to a given synaptic type. Biochemical studies reveal that PSD-95/Dlg family scaffolding proteins could coordinate postsynaptic molecular assembly at glutamatergic synapses. Genetic studies demonstrate their role during synaptic maintenance and plasticity. However, it is unclear whether initial synaptogenesis requires PSD-95/Dlg and, if so, how its function collaborates with cell-specific matchmaking that precedes synaptogenesis. Here, using whole-mount high-resolution live imaging, we show that glutamatergic synaptogenesis on all muscles in Drosophila embryos is preceded by formation of a myopodial cluster into which PSD-95/Dlg is rapidly recruited. Cell-specific disruption of myopodial clustering affect synaptogenesis, while disrupting postsynaptic PSD-95/Dlg functions during this period aborts synaptogenesis without affecting myopodial cluster formation. These results support essential functions of postsynaptic PSD-95/Dlg and its collaboration with myopodial cluster at the onset of glutamatergic neuromuscular synaptogenesis.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Cell and Developmental Biology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Carrero-Martinez, Franklin Alexander

Contributors dc:contributor

• Chiba, Akira

• Biology, Cell

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3202069

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/86303