31st Annual Student Research Conference
Role of the Numb Protein in Synaptic Development, Synaptic Growth, and Locomotion
Josie L. Emery*, Lauren N. Galbraith, Samuel J. Leone, and Haley L. Stuckmeyer
Dr. Brett A. Berke, Faculty Mentor
Numb is a peripheral membrane protein well-characterized for its functions in asymmetric stem cell division. However, it is also localized in presynaptic terminals within the adult nervous system. We utilized Drosophila melanogaster and are determining Numb’s functions at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Staining shows Numb expression in presynaptic glutamatergic motoneurons of Drosophila larvae. RNAi-induced knockdown of Numb was tested for its effects on larval locomotion. The loss of presynaptic Numb caused irregular locomotor patterns with excess searching, abnormally sharp turns, and a longer distance traveled during two minute trials. Presynaptic knock-down also disrupted synaptic development at the larval NMJ. We are currently verifying the larval locomotor phenotype using a second method for knocking down Numb within the CNS. We are also co-localizing Numb with presynaptic proteins and knocking Numb down in muscle to assess a role in postsynaptic cells. Our studies will expand knowledge of how Numb affects neuronal synapses.
Keywords: Neurobiology, Numb, Drosophila, Animal Behavior, Synapse
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 105-3
Location: MG 2001
Time: 8:30