Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction

Kallmann syndrome (isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and anosmia), is caused by loss of KAL-1 function in the developing human olfactory system. Gene function is also conserved in eukaryotes, including nematodes, chick and rodents. However, the precise role of kal-1 in the developing nervous system is unclear. D.melanogaster an ideal model to study kal-1 function, as many molecular aspects of olfactory development are shared with mammals.

Aims

To identify specific sites of kal-1 mRNA and protein expression in the developing and adult CNS of D.melanogaster.

Methods and Results

DIG-labelled sense and antisense probes against the WAP domain of the D.melanogaster kal-1 sequence gene, as well as a polyclonal serum generated against a specific region of the WAP domain, were used in embryos and in adult head sections. Larval and adult specimens were tested with both reagents and staining was noted in a number of structures, including: the stomatogastric ganglion, the suboesophageal region, the tracheal complex and the dorsal protocerbral region.

Discussion and future studies

Further studies of loss of function in these regions, using gene knockout, will confirm the importance of kal-1 in the development and maintenance of these structures. Expression of kal-1 in these anatomical regions, combined with proteomic analysis, may further reveal interacting proteins and cell signalling pathways activated by kal-1.