To evaluate the functions of HLB-1 in regulating the organization and function of neuromuscular junctions, effects of hlb-1 mutation on the synaptic structures were revealed by uncovering the expression patterns of SNB-1::GFP and UNC-49::GFP, and pharmacologic assays with aldicarb and levamisole were also used to test the synaptic functions. Further rescue and mosaic analysis confirmed HLB-1’s role in regulating the organization and function of neuromuscular junctions.
Loss of HLB-1 function did not result in defects in neuronal outgrowth or neuronal loss, but caused obvious defects of SNB-1::GFP and UNC-49::GFP puncta localization, suggesting the altered presynaptic and postsynaptic structures. The mutant animals exhibited severe defects in locomotion behaviors and altered responses to an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and a cholinergic agonist, indicating the altered presynaptic and postsynaptic functions. Rescue and mosaic analysis experiments suggested that HLB-1 regulated synaptic functions in a cell nonautonomously way. Moreover, HLB-1 expression was not required for the presynaptic active zone morphology. Genetic evidence further demonstrated that hlb-1 acted in a parallel pathway with syd-2 to regulate the synaptic functions.
通过 SNB-1::GFP 与 UNC-49::GFP 表达模式分析神经突触的结构变化, 通过涕灭威与左旋四咪唑药物实验分析神经突触的功能变化, 从而解析 HLB-1 在神经肌肉接头组装与功能调节中的作用。进一步通过恢复与嵌合分析实验, 对 HLB-1 在神经肌肉接头组装与功能调节中的作用予以确认。