Back to Search
Start Over
A Role for the Drosophila Fragile X-Related Gene in Circadian Output
- Source :
-
Current Biology . Aug2002, Vol. 12 Issue 15, p1331. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2002
-
Abstract
- Mutations that abolish expression of an X-linked gene, FMR1, result in the pathogenesis of fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited mental retardation . To understand the normal function of the FMR1 protein, we have produced fly strains bearing deletions in a Drosophila homolog of FMR1 (dfmr1). Since fragile X patients show a number of abnormal behaviors including sleep problems , we investigated whether a loss-of-function mutation of dfmr1 affect circadian behavior . Here we show that under constant darkness (DD), a lack of dfmr1 expression causes arrhythmic locomotor activity, but in light:dark cycles, their behavioral rhythms appear normal. In addition, the clock-controlled eclosion rhythm is normal in DFMR1-deficient flies. These results suggest that DFMR1 plays a critical role in the circadian output pathway regulating locomotor activity in Drosophila. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *SLEEP-wake cycle
*SLEEP disorders
*DROSOPHILA
*GENETICS
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09609822
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 15
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Current Biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 7863444
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-9822(02)01036-9