EGFR signaling in the brain is necessary for olfactory learning in Drosophila larvae

Learn Mem. 2013 Mar 19;20(4):194-200. doi: 10.1101/lm.029934.112.

Abstract

Signaling via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway has emerged as one of the key mechanisms in the development of the central nervous system in Drosophila melanogaster. By contrast, little is known about the functions of EGFR signaling in the differentiated larval brain. Here, promoter-reporter lines of EGFR and its most prominent activating ligands, Spitz, Keren, and Vein, were used to identify the brain structures relevant for the EGFR pathway. Unexpectedly, promoter activity of all these pathway components was found in the mushroom bodies, which are known to be a higher brain center required for olfactory learning. We investigated the role of the EGFR pathway in this process by using different mutant larvae with reduced pan-neuronal EGFR signaling and those with reduced EGFR signaling in mushroom bodies only. Expression of a dominant-negative form of EGFR as well as silencing of the ligands via RNA interference was applied and resulted in significantly impaired olfactory learning performances. General defects in the ability to taste or smell as well as impaired EGFR signaling during embryonic development could be excluded as major reasons for this learning phenotype. In addition, targeted expression of a constitutively active form of the ligand Spitz also led to a significantly reduced learning ability. Thus, very low levels as well as very high levels of EGFR signaling are deleterious for olfactory learning and memory formation. We hypothesize that EGFR signaling in a certain range maintains a homeostatic situation in the mushroom bodies that is necessary for proper learning and memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Food Preferences / physiology
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Larva
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Mushroom Bodies / metabolism*
  • Mushroom Bodies / physiology
  • Odorants
  • Olfactory Pathways / physiology*
  • RNA Interference / physiology
  • Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide / genetics
  • Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • GAL4 protein, Drosophila
  • Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide
  • Transcription Factors
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Egfr protein, Drosophila
  • ErbB Receptors