The matricellular protein Drosophila Cellular Communication Network Factor is required for synaptic transmission and female fertility

Elizabeth Catudio Garrett, Ashley M. Bielawski, Evelyne Ruchti, Lewis M. Sherer, Indrayani Waghmare, David Hess-Homeier, Brian D. McCabe, R. Steven Stowers, Sarah J. Certel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Within the extracellular matrix, matricellular proteins are dynamically expressed nonstructural proteins that interact with cell surface receptors, growth factors, and proteases, as well as with structural matrix proteins. The cellular communication network factors family of matricellular proteins serve regulatory roles to regulate cell function and are defined by their conserved multimodular organization. Here, we characterize the expression and neuronal requirement for the Drosophila cellular communication network factor family member. Drosophila cellular communication network factor is expressed in the nervous system throughout development including in subsets of monoamine-expressing neurons. Drosophila cellular communication network factor-expressing abdominal ganglion neurons innervate the ovaries and uterus and the loss of Drosophila cellular communication network factor results in reduced female fertility. In addition, Drosophila cellular communication network factor accumulates at the synaptic cleft and is required for neurotransmission at the larval neuromuscular junction. Analyzing the function of the single Drosophila cellular communication network factor family member will enhance our potential to understand how the microenvironment impacts neurotransmitter release in distinct cellular contexts and in response to activity.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberiyac190
JournalGenetics
Volume223
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Drosophila
  • CCN family
  • matricellular
  • neurotransmission
  • Synaptic Transmission/genetics
  • Animals
  • CCN Intercellular Signaling Proteins/chemistry
  • Fibrinogen
  • Female
  • Drosophila/metabolism
  • Fertility/genetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The matricellular protein Drosophila Cellular Communication Network Factor is required for synaptic transmission and female fertility'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this