Coordination and fine motor control depend on Drosophila TRP?.

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 trp? 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. TRP? is expressed in proprioceptive organs, and is required in both neurons and glia for gap crossing. We expressed TRP? 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 trp? flies. Our findings indicate that TRP? contributes to fine motor control through mechanical activation in proprioceptive organs, thereby promoting Ca(2+) influx, which is required for function.

SUBMITTER: Akitake B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4535187 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature