CRISPR-Cas-Induced Mutants Identify a Requirement for dSTIM in Larval Dopaminergic Cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Issue 3 (1st March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pathak, Trayambak; Trivedi, Deepti; Hasan, Gaiti
• Is Part Of: G3. Volume 7:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 923
• Page End: 933
• Publication Date: 2017-03-01
• Subjects: null allele -- Orai -- SOCE -- tyrosine hydroxylase -- hypoderm; Genetics -- Research -- Periodicals; Genomics -- Periodicals; Genetics; Genomics; Genes; Genetics -- Research; Genomics; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.038539
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-1836

Abstract

Abstract: Molecular components of store-operated calcium entry have been identified in the recent past and consist of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-resident calcium sensor STIM and the plasma membrane-localized calcium channel Orai. The physiological function of STIM and Orai is best defined in vertebrate immune cells. However, genetic studies with RNAi strains in Drosophila suggest a role in neuronal development and function. We generated a CRISPR-Cas-mediated deletion for the gene encoding STIM in Drosophila ( dSTIM ), which we demonstrate is larval lethal. To study STIM function in neurons, we merged the CRISPR-Cas9 method with the UAS-GAL4 system to generate either tissue- or cell type-specific inducible STIM knockouts (KOs). Our data identify an essential role for STIM in larval dopaminergic cells. The molecular basis for this cell-specific requirement needs further investigation.