Interaction between eye pigment genes and tau-induced neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics. 2010 Sep;186(1):435-42. doi: 10.1534/genetics.110.119545. Epub 2010 Jun 30.

Abstract

Null mutations in the genes white and brown, but not scarlet, enhance a rough eye phenotype in a Drosophila melanogaster model of tauopathy; however, adding rosy mutations suppresses these effects. Interaction with nucleotide-derived pigments or increased lysosomal dysregulation are potential mechanisms. Finally, tau toxicity correlates with increased GSK-3β activity, but not with tau phosphorylation at Ser202/Thr205.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / enzymology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
  • Eye / metabolism*
  • Eye / ultrastructure
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Mutation
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / genetics
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism*
  • Phenotype
  • Phosphorylation / genetics
  • Pigmentation / genetics*
  • tau Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • tau Proteins
  • GSK3B protein, human
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3