Conditional rescue of olfactory learning and memory defects in mutants of the 14-3-3 zeta gene leonardo

Members of the ubiquitous 14-3-3 family of proteins are abundantly expresse d in metazoan neurons. The Drosophila 14-3-3 zeta gene leonardo is preferen tially expressed in adult mushroom bodies, centers of insect learning and m emory. Mutants exhibit defects in olfactory learning and memory and physiol ogical neuroplasticity at the neuromuscular junction. Because strong mutati ons in this gene are lethal, we investigated the nature of the defects that precipitate the learning and memory deficit and the role of the two protei n isoforms encoded by leonardo in these processes. We find that the behavio ral deficit in the mutants is not caused by aberrant development, LEONARDO protein is acutely required for learning and memory, and both protein isofo rms can function equivalently in embryonic development and behavioral neuro plasticity.