Video: Part II: Using Drosophila to model disruptions of PTEN-TSC-TOR signaling on synapse assembly and behavior

Summary: A second project explores the function of PTEN and other components of this important growth regulatory pathway in neural development, using Drosophila as our model system. We document that the PTEN-TSC-TOR signaling pathway is critical for both axon guidance and synapse assembly. Hyperactivation of this pathway can be genetically or pharmacologically separated from growth effects, yet still produce disruption of neural development, indicating this signaling system has growth-independent roles in neural development. We have also documented behavioral deficits in adult flies with modest activation of this pathway in the nervous system, suggesting Drosophila could provide a useful model for tuberous sclerosis complex.