Roles of the Drosophila SK channel (dSK) in courtship memory

PLoS One. 2012;7(4):e34665. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034665. Epub 2012 Apr 11.

Abstract

A role for SK channels in synaptic plasticity has been very well-characterized. However, in the absence of simple genetic animal models, their role in behavioral memory remains elusive. Here, we take advantage of Drosophila melanogaster with its single SK gene (dSK) and well-established courtship memory assay to investigate the contribution of this channel to memory. Using two independent dSK alleles, a null mutation and a dominant negative subunit, we show that while dSK negatively regulates the acquisition of short-term memory 30 min after a short training session, it is required for normal long-term memory 24 h after extended training. These findings highlight important functions for dSK in courtship memory and suggest that SK channels can mediate multiple forms of behavioral plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Courtship*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / physiology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Silencing
  • Memory, Long-Term / physiology
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Mutation
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • sky protein, Drosophila
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins