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Author Sundram, V.; Ng, F.S.; Roberts, M.A.; Millan, C.; Ewer, J.; Jackson, F.R.
Title Cellular Requirements for LARK in the Drosophila Circadian System Type
Year 2012 Publication Journal Of Biological Rhythms Abbreviated Journal J. Biol. Rhythms
Volume 27 Issue 3 Pages 183-195
Keywords clock output; posttranscriptional; RNA binding; locomotor activity; eclosion
Abstract RNA-binding proteins mediate posttranscriptional functions in the circadian systems of multiple species. A conserved RNA recognition motif (RRM) protein encoded by the lark gene is postulated to serve circadian output and molecular oscillator functions in Drosophila and mammals, respectively. In no species, however, has LARK been eliminated, in vivo, to determine the consequences for circadian timing. The present study utilized RNA interference (RNAi) techniques in Drosophila to decrease LARK levels in clock neurons and other cell types in order to evaluate the circadian functions of the protein. Knockdown of LARK in timeless (TIM)- or pigment dispersing factor (PDF)-containing clock cells caused a significant number of flies to exhibit arrhythmic locomotor activity, demonstrating a requirement for the protein in pacemaker cells. There was no obvious effect on PER protein cycling in lark interference (RNAi) flies, but a knockdown within the PDF neurons was associated with increased PDF immunoreactivity at the dorsal termini of the small ventral lateral neuronal (s-LNv) projections, suggesting an effect on neuropeptide release. The expression of lark RNAi in multiple neurosecretory cell populations demonstrated that LARK is required within pacemaker and nonpacemaker cells for the manifestation of normal locomotor activity rhythms. Interestingly, decreased LARK function in the prothoracic gland (PG), a peripheral organ containing a clock required for the circadian control of eclosion, was associated with weak population eclosion rhythms or arrhythmicity.
Address [Sundram, Vasudha; Ng, Fanny S.; Roberts, Mary A.; Jackson, F. Rob] Tufts Univ, Sch Med, Dept Neurosci, Ctr Neurosci Res, Boston, MA 02111 USA, Email: rob.jackson@tufts.edu
Corporate Author (down) Thesis
Publisher Sage Publications Inc Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0748-7304 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000304715700001 Approved
Call Number UAI @ eduardo.moreno @ Serial 219
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