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Pervasive behavioral effects of microRNA regulation in Drosophila

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posted on 2023-06-09, 08:18 authored by Joao Picao-Osorio, Ines Lago-Baldaia, Pedro Patraquim, Claudio AlonsoClaudio Alonso
The effects of microRNA (miRNA) regulation on the genetic programs underlying behavior remain largely unexplored. Despite this, recent work in Drosophila shows that mutation of a single miRNA locus (miR-iab4/iab8) affects the capacity of the larva to correct its orientation if turned upside down (self-righting, SR), suggesting that other miRNAs might also be involved in behavioral control. Here we explore this possibility, studying early larval SR behavior in a collection of 81 Drosophila miRNA mutants covering almost the entire miRNA complement of the late embryo. Unexpectedly, we observe that >40% of all miRNAs tested significantly affect SR time, revealing pervasive behavioral effects of miRNA regulation in the early larva. Detailed analyses of those miRNAs affecting SR behavior (SR-miRNAs) show that individual miRNAs can affect movement in different ways, suggesting that specific molecular and cellular elements are affected by individual miRNA mutations. Furthermore, gene expression analysis shows that the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B) represents one of the targets deregulated by several SR-miRNAs. Our work thus reveals pervasive effects of miRNA regulation on a complex innate behavior in Drosophila and suggests that miRNAs may be core components of the genetic programs underlying behavioral control in other animals too.

Funding

The molecular regulation of Hox genes during animal development; G0952; WELLCOME TRUST; 098410/Z/12/Z

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Genetics

ISSN

0016-6731

Publisher

Genetics society of America

Issue

3

Volume

206

Page range

1535-1548

Department affiliated with

  • Neuroscience Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Sussex Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-10-16

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2017-10-16

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-10-14

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