Neuron
Volume 34, Issue 1, 28 March 2002, Pages 27-38
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Article
Drosophila Liprin-α and the Receptor Phosphatase Dlar Control Synapse Morphogenesis

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0896-6273(02)00643-8Get rights and content
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Abstract

Here, we examine the synaptic function of the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP), Dlar, and an associated intracellular protein, Dliprin-α, at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction. We show that Dliprin-α and Dlar are required for normal synaptic morphology. We also find that synapse complexity is proportional to the amount of Dlar gene product, suggesting that Dlar activity determines synapse size. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that Dliprin-α and Dlar are required to define the size and shape of the presynaptic active zone. Accordingly, there is a concomitant decrease in synaptic transmission in both mutants. Finally, epistasis analysis indicates that Dliprin-α is required for Dlar's action at the synapse. These data suggest a model where Dliprin-α and Dlar cooperate to regulate the formation and/or maintenance of a network of presynaptic proteins.

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