Plum modulates Myoglianin and regulates synaptic function in D. melanogaster

Sahota, V. K., Stone, A., Woodling, N. S. , Spiers, J. G., Steinert, J. R., Partridge, L. and Augustin, H. (2023) Plum modulates Myoglianin and regulates synaptic function in D. melanogaster. Open Biology, 13(9), 230171. (doi: 10.1098/rsob.230171) (PMID:37699519) (PMCID:PMC10497343)

Abstract

Alterations in the neuromuscular system underlie several neuromuscular diseases and play critical roles in the development of sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function. Mammalian Myostatin (MST) and GDF11, members of the TGF-β superfamily of growth factors, are powerful regulators of muscle size in both model organisms and humans. Myoglianin (MYO), the Drosophila homologue of MST and GDF11, is a strong inhibitor of synaptic function and structure at the neuromuscular junction in flies. Here, we identified Plum, a transmembrane cell surface protein, as a modulator of MYO function in the larval neuromuscular system. Reduction of Plum in the larval body-wall muscles abolishes the previously demonstrated positive effect of attenuated MYO signalling on both muscle size and neuromuscular junction structure and function. In addition, downregulation of Plum on its own results in decreased synaptic strength and body weight, classifying Plum as a (novel) regulator of neuromuscular function and body (muscle) size. These findings offer new insights into possible regulatory mechanisms behind ageing- and disease-related neuromuscular dysfunctions in humans and identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was funded by the Max Planck Society and a Wellcome Trust Strategic Award to L.P., and by an MRC grant to J.R.S. and J.G.S.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Woodling, Dr Nathan

Creator Roles

Woodling, N.: Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Sahota, V. K., Stone, A., Woodling, N. S., Spiers, J. G., Steinert, J. R., Partridge, L., and Augustin, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
• Journal Name: Open Biology
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• ISSN: 2046-2441
• ISSN (Online): 2046-2441
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Open Biology 13(9)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence