<i>Drosophila</i> Fezf functions as a transcriptional repressor to direct layer-specific synaptic connectivity in the fly visual system

Abstract

The layered compartmentalization of synaptic connections, a common feature of nervous systems, underlies proper connectivity between neurons and enables parallel processing of neural information. However, the stepwise development of layered neuronal connections is not well understood. The medulla neuropil of the <i>Drosophila</i> visual system, which comprises 10 discrete layers (M1 to M10), where neural computations underlying distinct visual features are processed, serves as a model system for understanding layered synaptic connectivity. The first step in establishing layer-specific connectivity in the outer medulla (M1 to M6) is the innervation by lamina (L) neurons of one of two broad, primordial domains that will subsequently expand and transform into discrete layers. We previously found that the transcription factor dFezf cell-autonomously directs L3 lamina neurons to their proper primordial broad domain before they form synapses within the developing M3 layer. Here, we show that dFezf controls L3 broad domain selection through temporally precise transcriptional repression of the transcription factor <i>slp1</i> (sloppy paired 1). In wild-type L3 neurons, <i>slp1</i> is transiently expressed at a low level during broad domain selection. When <i>dFezf</i> is deleted, <i>slp1</i> expression is up-regulated, and ablation of <i>slp1</i> fully rescues the defect of broad domain selection in <i>dFezf</i>-null L3 neurons. Although the early, transient expression of <i>slp1</i> is expendable for broad domain selection, it is surprisingly necessary for the subsequent L3 innervation of the M3 layer. DFezf thus functions as a transcriptional repressor to coordinate the temporal dynamics of a transcriptional cascade that orchestrates sequential steps of layer-specific synapse formation.