Wrapping glia regulates neuronal signaling speed and precision in the peripheral nervous system of Drosophila

Rita Kottmeier, Jonas Bittern, Andreas Schoofs, Frederieke Scheiwe, Till Matzat, Michael Pankratz and Christian Klämbt ()
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Rita Kottmeier: Universität Münster
Jonas Bittern: Universität Münster
Andreas Schoofs: University of Bonn
Frederieke Scheiwe: Universität Münster
Till Matzat: Universität Münster
Michael Pankratz: University of Bonn
Christian Klämbt: Universität Münster

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Abstract The functionality of the nervous system requires transmission of information along axons with high speed and precision. Conductance velocity depends on axonal diameter whereas signaling precision requires a block of electrical crosstalk between axons, known as ephaptic coupling. Here, we use the peripheral nervous system of Drosophila larvae to determine how glia regulates axonal properties. We show that wrapping glial differentiation depends on gap junctions and FGF-signaling. Abnormal glial differentiation affects axonal diameter and conductance velocity and causes mild behavioral phenotypes that can be rescued by a sphingosine-rich diet. Ablation of wrapping glia does not further impair axonal diameter and conductance velocity but causes a prominent locomotion phenotype that cannot be rescued by sphingosine. Moreover, optogenetically evoked locomotor patterns do not depend on conductance speed but require the presence of wrapping glial processes. In conclusion, our data indicate that wrapping glia modulates both speed and precision of neuronal signaling.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18291-1

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