Debra, a Protein Mediating Lysosomal Degradation, Is Required for Long-Term Memory in Drosophila
2011

Debra Protein and Long-Term Memory in Drosophila

Sample size: 91 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Kottler Benjamin, Lampin-Saint-Amaux Aurélie, Comas Daniel, Preat Thomas, Goguel Valérie

Primary Institution: Genes and Dynamics of Memory Systems, Neurobiology Unit, CNRS, ESPCI, Paris, France

Hypothesis

Is the debra protein required for long-term memory in Drosophila?

Conclusion

The debra protein is specifically required for long-term memory formation in Drosophila, as its levels must be precisely regulated.

Supporting Evidence

  • Debra levels must be precisely regulated to support normal long-term memory.
  • The role of debra in this process is physiological rather than developmental.
  • Debra is specifically required for long-term memory, as it is dispensable for earlier memory phases.

Takeaway

This study found that a protein called debra is really important for helping fruit flies remember things for a long time.

Methodology

The study involved screening Drosophila enhancer-trap lines and analyzing memory performance through classical conditioning.

Limitations

The study cannot exclude the possibility of subtle developmental defects affecting memory performance.

Participant Demographics

Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies)

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025902

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