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Control of neuronal pathway selection by a Drosophila receptor protein-tyrosine kinase family member

Nature volume 376, pages 171–174 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

DURING development, neurons are capable of selecting specific pathways that lead them to their appropriate target areas. A variety of molecular mechanisms are thought to be involved in pathway recognition, including cell adhesion1, repulsion2,3and chemotropism4. However, apart from a few genes whose involvement has been shown genetically5-8, the mechanisms underlying neuronal pathway selection are largely unknown. Here we report the isolation of the Drosophila derailed (drl) gene, which encodes a novel member of the receptor protein-tyrosine kinase family. Using a newly developed axon-targeted reporter gene9 we find that drl is expressed by a small subset of embryonic interneurons whose growth cones choose common pathways during development. Indrl mutant embryos these neurons fail to make the correct pathway choices. Our results provide evidence for receptor protein-tyrosine kinase involvement in key aspects of neuronal pathway recognition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, PO Box 85800, San Diego, California, 92186, USA

    Christopher A. Callahan, M. G. Muralidhar, Scott E. Lundgren, Audra L. Scully & John B. Thomas

  2. Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA

    Christopher A. Callahan

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  1. Christopher A. Callahan
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  2. M. G. Muralidhar
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  3. Scott E. Lundgren
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  4. Audra L. Scully
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  5. John B. Thomas
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Callahan, C., Muralidhar, M., Lundgren, S. et al. Control of neuronal pathway selection by a Drosophila receptor protein-tyrosine kinase family member. Nature 376, 171–174 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/376171a0

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