Selective dendritic localization of mRNA in drosophila mushroom body output neurons
Jessica Mitchell (University of Oxford)
Carlas S. Smith (University of Oxford, TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
Josh Titlow (University of Oxford)
Nils Otto (University of Oxford)
Pieter van Velde (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
Martin Booth (University of Oxford)
Ilan Davis (University of Oxford)
Scott Waddell (University of Oxford)
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Abstract
Memory-relevant neuronal plasticity is believed to require local translation of new proteins at synapses. Understanding this process requires the visualization of the relevant mRNAs within these neuronal compartments. Here, we used single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization to localize mRNAs at subcellular resolution in the adult Drosophila brain. mRNAs for subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and kinases could be detected within the dendrites of co-labeled mushroom body output neurons (MBONs) and their relative abundance showed cell specificity. Moreover, aversive olfactory learning produced a transient increase in the level of CaMKII mRNA within the dendritic compartments of the g5b’2a MBONs. Localization of specific mRNAs in MBONs before and after learning represents a critical step towards deciphering the role of dendritic translation in the neuronal plasticity underlying behavioral change in Drosophila.
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