Neuron
Volume 11, Issue 2, August 1993, Pages 197-208
Journal home page for Neuron

Article
Preferential expression in mushroom bodies of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A and its role in learning and memory

https://doi.org/10.1016/0896-6273(93)90178-TGet rights and content

Abstract

Involvement of the cAMP cascade in Drosophila learning and memory is suggested by the aberrant behavioral phenotypes of the mutants dunce (cAMP phosphodiesterase) and rutabaga (adenylyl cyclase). Line DCO581, isolated via an enhancer detector screen for genes preferentially expressed in the mushroom bodies, contains a transposon in the first exon of the catalytic subunit gene (DCO) of protein kinase A (PKA). RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry show that DCO is preferentially expressed in the mushroom bodies. The DCO5581 insertion and an independently isolated hypomorphic allele (DCOB10) each produce homozygous lethality and a 40% decrease in PKA activity in heterozygotes. This decrease has mild effects on learning but no effect on memory. However, the 80% reduction in activity obtained by constructing heteroallelic yet viable DCO581DCOB10 animals results in a dramatic learning and memory deficit. These results suggest that PKA plays a crucial role in the cAMP cascade in mushroom bodies to mediate learning and memory processes.

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    Present address: Department of Cell Biology and Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.

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