Biology subjects

Martin, J.-R.

Publications and source records attributed to Martin, J.-R..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

jouvence, a new small nucleolar RNA required in the gut extends lifespan in Drosophila

Longevity is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we functionally characterise a new Drosophila small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), named jouvence whose loss of function dramatically reduces lifespan. A transgene containing the genomic region of jouvence rescues the longevity in mutant, while its overexpression in wild-type flies increases lifespan. Jouvence is expressed in epithelial cells of the gut. Targeted expression of jouvence specifically in the enterocytes increases lifespan, indicating that its role in the control of longevity takes place in these cells. A transcriptomic analysis performed from the gut reveals that several genes are either up-or down-regulated in mutant indicating that the snoRNA-jouvence might be involved in transcriptional control. Finally, since snoRNAs are structurally and functionally well conserved throughout evolution, we identified putative jouvence orthologue in mammals including humans, suggesting that its function in longevity might be conserved through evolution.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2017

A lineage-related reciprocal inhibition circuitry for sensory-motor action selection

The insect central complex and vertebrate basal ganglia are forebrain centres involved in selection and maintenance of behavioural actions. However, little is known about the formation of the underlying circuits, or how they integrate sensory information for motor actions. Here, we show that paired embryonic neuroblasts generate central complex ring neurons that mediate sensory-motor transformation and action selection in Drosophila. Lineage analysis resolves four ring neuron subtypes, R1-R4, that form GABAergic inhibition circuitry among inhibitory sister cells. Genetic manipulations, together with functional imaging, demonstrate subtype-specific R neurons mediate the selection and maintenance of behavioural activity. A computational model substantiates genetic and behavioural observations suggesting that R neuron circuitry functions as salience detector using competitive inhibition to amplify, maintain or switch between activity states. The resultant gating mechanism translates facilitation, inhibition and disinhibition of behavioural activity as R neuron functions into selection of motor actions and their organisation into action sequences.

neuroscience↗