The Drosophila ortholog of vertebrate TRPA1 regulates thermotaxis.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Thermotaxis is important for animal survival, but the molecular identities of temperature sensors controlling this behavior have not been determined. We demonstrate dTRPA1, a heat-activated Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) family ion channel, is essential for thermotaxis in Drosophila. dTrpA1 knockdown eliminates avoidance of elevated temperatures along a thermal gradient. We observe dTRPA1 expression in cells without previously ascribed roles in thermosensation and implicate dTRPA1-expressing neurons in mediating thermotaxis. Our data suggest that thermotaxis relies upon neurons and molecules distinct from those required for high-temperature nociception. We propose dTRPA1 may control thermotaxis by sensing environmental temperature.
SUBMITTER: Rosenzweig M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC548941 | biostudies-other | 2005 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
ACCESS DATA