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bioRxiv · 10.1101/312074

Sensory neuron lineage mapping and manipulation in the Drosophila olfactory system

Chai, P. C.·Cruchet, S.·Wigger, L.·Benton, R.
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Abstract

Nervous systems exhibit myriad cell types, but understanding how this diversity arises is hampered by the difficulty to visualize and genetically-interrogate specific lineages, especially at early developmental stages prior to expression of unique molecular markers. Here, we use a genetic immortalization method to analyze the development of sensory neuron lineages in the Drosophila olfactory system, from their origin to terminal differentiation. We apply this approach to first define a fate map of all olfactory lineages and refine the model of temporal patterns of lineage divisions. Taking advantage of a selective marker for the lineage that gives rise to Or67d pheromone-sensing neurons and a genome-wide transcription factor RNAi screen, we identify the spatial and temporal requirements for Pointed, an ETS family member, in this developmental pathway. Transcriptomic analysis of wild-type and Pointed-depleted olfactory tissue reveals a universal requirement for this factor as a switch-like determinant of fates in these sensory lineages.

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Chai, P. C., Cruchet, S., Wigger, L., Benton, R.. 2018-05-01. Sensory neuron lineage mapping and manipulation in the Drosophila olfactory system. https://doi.org/10.1101/312074

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