Requirement of Drosophila NF1 for Activation of Adenylyl Cyclase by PACAP38-Like Neuropeptides

HF Guo, I The, F Hannan, A Bernards, Y Zhong - Science, 1997 - science.org
HF Guo, I The, F Hannan, A Bernards, Y Zhong
Science, 1997science.org
The human neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) tumor suppressor protein functions as a Ras-
specific guanosine triphosphatase–activating protein, but the identity of Ras-mediated
pathways modulated by NF1 remains unknown. A study of Drosophila NF1 mutants revealed
that NF1 is essential for the cellular response to the neuropeptide PACAP38 (pituitary
adenylyl cyclase–activating polypeptide) at the neuromuscular junction. The peptide
induced a 100-fold enhancement of potassium currents by activating the Ras-Raf and …
The human neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) tumor suppressor protein functions as a Ras-specific guanosine triphosphatase–activating protein, but the identity of Ras- mediated pathways modulated by NF1 remains unknown. A study of Drosophila NF1 mutants revealed that NF1 is essential for the cellular response to the neuropeptide PACAP38 (pituitary adenylyl cyclase–activating polypeptide) at the neuromuscular junction. The peptide induced a 100-fold enhancement of potassium currents by activating the Ras-Raf and adenylyl cyclase–adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate (cAMP) pathways. This response was eliminated in NF1 mutants. NF1 appears to regulate the rutabaga-encoded adenylyl cyclase rather than the Ras-Raf pathway. Moreover, the NF1 defect was rescued by the exposure of cells to pharmacological treatment that increased concentrations of cAMP.
AAAS