The tobacco phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein NtFT4 increases the lifespan of by interacting with the proteostasis network.

Proteostasis reflects the well-balanced synthesis, trafficking and degradation of cellular proteins. This is a fundamental aspect of the dynamic cellular proteome, which integrates multiple signaling pathways, but it becomes increasingly error-prone during aging. Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) are highly conserved regulators of signaling networks and could therefore affect aging-related processes.

Redundant functions of the SLC5A transporters Rumpel, Bumpel, and Kumpel in ensheathing glial cells.

Neuronal processing is energy demanding and relies on sugar metabolism. To nurture the Drosophila nervous system, the blood-brain barrier forming glial cells take up trehalose from the hemolymph and then distribute the metabolic products further to all neurons. This function is provided by glucose and lactate transporters of the solute carrier (SLC) 5A family.

The NCAM homolog Fas2 signals independently of adhesion.

The development of tissues and organs requires close interaction of cells. To achieve this, cells express adhesion proteins such as the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) or its ortholog Fasciclin 2 (Fas2). Both are members of the Ig-domain superfamily of proteins that mediate homophilic adhesion.

The Drosophila Blood-Brain Barrier Adapts to Cell Growth by Unfolding of Pre-existing Septate Junctions.

The blood-brain barrier is crucial for nervous system function. It is established early during development and stays intact during growth of the brain. In invertebrates, septate junctions are the occluding junctions of this barrier.

Kinesin heavy chain function in Drosophila glial cells controls neuronal activity.

Kinesin heavy chain (Khc) is crucially required for axonal transport and khc mutants show axonal swellings and paralysis. Here, we demonstrate that in Drosophila khc is equally important in glial cells. Glial-specific downregulation of khc by RNA interference suppresses neuronal excitability and results in spastic flies.

Drosophila Neurexin IV stabilizes neuron-glia interactions at the CNS midline by binding to Wrapper.

Ensheathment of axons by glial membranes is a key feature of complex nervous systems ensuring the separation of single axons or axonal fascicles. Nevertheless, the molecules that mediate the recognition and specific adhesion of glial and axonal membranes are largely unknown. We use the Drosophila midline of the embryonic central nervous system as a model to investigate these neuron glia interactions.

The splicing factor crooked neck associates with the RNA-binding protein HOW to control glial cell maturation in Drosophila.

In both vertebrates and invertebrates, glial cells wrap axonal processes to ensure electrical conductance. Here we report that Crooked neck (Crn), the Drosophila homolog of the yeast Clf1p splicing factor, is directing peripheral glial cell maturation. We show that crooked neck is expressed and required in glial cells to control migration and axonal wrapping.