Coordination and fine motor control depend on Drosophila TRPγ

TitleCoordination and fine motor control depend on Drosophila TRPγ
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsAkitake B, Ren Q, Boiko N, Ni J, Sokabe T, Stockand JD, Eaton BA, Montell C
JournalNat Commun
Volume6
Pagination7288
Date Published2015
ISSN2041-1723
Abstract

Motor coordination is broadly divided into gross and fine motor control, both of which depend on proprioceptive organs. However, the channels that function specifically in fine motor control are unknown. Here we show that mutations in trpγ disrupt fine motor control while leaving gross motor proficiency intact. The mutants are unable to coordinate precise leg movements during walking, and are ineffective in traversing large gaps due to an inability in making subtle postural adaptations that are requisite for this task. TRPγ is expressed in proprioceptive organs, and is required in both neurons and glia for gap crossing. We expressed TRPγ in vitro, and found that its activity is promoted by membrane stretch. A mutation eliminating the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger suppresses the gap-crossing phenotype of trpγ flies. Our findings indicate that TRPγ contributes to fine motor control through mechanical activation in proprioceptive organs, thereby promoting Ca(2+) influx, which is required for function.

DOI10.1038/ncomms8288
Alternate JournalNat Commun
PubMed ID26028119