effect of the gamma-secretase inhibitor, DAPT, on oogenesis and learning and memory in adult Drosophila melanogaster.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 122
Description: Presenilins encode highly conserved proteins that function as catalytic components of the gamma-secretase complex. Loss-of-function mutations in  Presenilin cause a lethal phenotype during development, while missense mutations cause familial Alzheimer's disease in adults. To investigate the role of Presenilins in adults, the effect of conditional loss-of-function mutations in Drosophila presenilin (psn) on oogenesis, learning and memory was investigated in adult wild-type flies using a potent gamma-secretase inhibitor, DAPT. Contrary to the recent evidence that Presenilins play an important role in memory, DAPT-treated flies had no detectable memory impairments. Lack of memory impairments in DAPT-treated flies correlated with a failure of DAPT to inhibit Psn activity in the brain, while the same concentration of DAPT had a strong effect in ovaries. Although, the role of Psn in learning and memory cannot be determined due to failure of DAPT to inhibit Psn activity in the brain, a potential regulatory difference in Notch signal transduction between adult brain and body was identified.
Notes: Adviser:  Gabrielle Boulianne.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0792.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).