Genetically encoded dendritic marker sheds light on neuronal connectivity in<i>Drosophila</i>

TLDR

Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model for studying neuronal circuits, but progress has been limited by the absence of a genetically encoded, neutral marker for the somatodendritic compartment. DenMark, a hybrid of mouse ICAM5/Telencephalin and the red fluorescent protein mCherry, serves as this genetically encoded dendritic marker. DenMark proves effective and specific across all tested neuronal populations, enabling the discovery of previously unknown dendritic arbors and new insights into neuronal connectivity.

Abstract

In recent years, Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a powerful model for neuronal circuit development, pathology, and function. A major impediment to these studies has been the lack of a genetically encoded, specific, universal, and phenotypically neutral marker of the somatodendritic compartment. We have developed such a marker and show that it is effective and specific in all neuronal populations tested in the peripheral and central nervous system. The marker, which we name DenMark (Dendritic Marker), is a hybrid protein of the mouse protein ICAM5/Telencephalin and the red fluorescent protein mCherry. We show that DenMark is a powerful tool for revealing novel aspects of the neuroanatomy of developing dendrites, identifying previously unknown dendritic arbors, and elucidating neuronal connectivity.