GENETIC DISSENSION OF SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION IN DROSOPHILA

Recent studies of mutations of Drosophila proteins implicated in synap tic transmission have yielded new insights into the roles of these pro teins and the pathways in which they function. Analysis of mutant embr yos lacking syntaxin or synaptobrevin suggests that these proteins per form distinct functions after vesicle docking with the presynaptic mem brane. In addition, characterization of Drosophila endocytotic mutants provides in vivo evidence for the presence of different endocytotic p athways at a single synapse.