Long noncoding RNA LRG modulates Drosophila locomotion by sequestering Synaptotagmin 1 protein

SYT1 works as the major Ca2+ sensor for evoked neurotransmitter release. lncRNALRG binds and sequesters SYT1, which in turn blocks its normal function, thereby negatively regulating locomotion. In contrast,LRG deficiency decreases the sequestering of SYT1, which in turn releases more functional SYT1, thereby resulting in higher locomotion speed. AbstractApparently, the genomes of many organisms are pervasively transcribed, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) make up the majority of cellular transcripts. LncRNAs have been reported to play important roles in many biological processes; however, their effects on locomotion are poorly understood. Here, we presented a novel lncRNA,Locomotion Regulatory Gene (LRG), which participates in locomotion by sequestering Synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1).LRG deficiency resulted in higher locomotion speed which could be rescued by pan-neuronal overexpression but not by limited ellipsoid body, motoneuron or muscle-expression ofLRG. At the molecular level, the synaptic vesicles (SVs) release and movement-related SYT1 protein was recognized asLRG-interacting protein candidate. Furthermore,LRG had no effects on SYT1 expression. Genetically, the behavioral defects inLRG mutant could be rescued by pan-neuronal knock-down ofSyt1. Taken together, all the results suggestedLRG exerts regulatory effects on locomotion via sequestering SYT1 thereby blocking its function without affecting its expression. Our work displays a new function of lncRNA and provides insights...

Source: Insect Science - March 14, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Ming ‐Yang Cui, Meng‐Bo Xu, Ying‐Xuan Wang, Bao‐Yan Bai, Run‐Sheng Chen, Li Liu, Mei‐Xia Li Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research