Notch signaling in Drosophila long-term memory formation

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Jul 6;101(27):10172-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0403497101. Epub 2004 Jun 25.

Abstract

Notch (N) is a cell surface receptor that mediates an evolutionarily ancient signaling pathway to control an extraordinarily broad spectrum of cell fates and developmental processes. To gain insights into the functions of N signaling in the adult brain, we examined the involvement of N in Drosophila olfactory learning and memory. Long-term memory (LTM) was disrupted by blocking N signaling in conditional mutants or by acutely induced expression of a dominant-negative N transgene. In contrast, neither learning nor early memory were affected. Furthermore, induced overexpression of a wild-type (normal) N transgene specifically enhanced LTM formation. These experiments demonstrate that N signaling contributes to LTM formation in the Drosophila adult brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / physiology
  • Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Memory*
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • N protein, Drosophila
  • Receptors, Notch