Neuronal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) appears continuous throughout the cell. Its shape and continuity are influenced by ER-shaping proteins, mutations in which can cause distal axon degeneration in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). We therefore asked how loss of Rtnl1, a Drosophila ortholog of the human HSP gene RTN2 (SPG12), which encodes an ER-shaping protein, affects ER organization and the function of presynaptic terminals. Loss of Rtnl1 depleted ER membrane markers at Drosophila presynaptic motor terminals and appeared to deplete narrow tubular ER while leaving cisternae largely unaffected, thus suggesting little change in resting Ca2+ storage capacity. Nevertheless, these changes were accompanied by major reductions in activity-evoked Ca2+ fluxes in the cytosol, ER lumen, and mitochondria, as well as reduced evoked and spontaneous neurotransmission. We found that reduced STIM-mediated ER-plasma membrane contacts underlie presynaptic Ca2+ defects in Rtnl1 mutants. Our results show the importance of ER architecture in presynaptic physiology and function, which are therefore potential factors in the pathology of HSP.

Drosophila metamorphosis is associated with substantial metabolic activity involving cell death and cell proliferation leading to differentiation of adult tissues and structures. Unlike other larval tissues, Malpighian tubules (MTs) exhibit apoptotic immunity and do not undergo cell death but are carried over to the adult with some cell reorganisation. They persist despite the fact that they express apoptotic proteins and caspases. In the present study, we analysed the global transcription changes in MTs and compared with salivary glands, to decipher the biology of MTs. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated reduced expression of many ecdysone induced genes, including the critical regulator of cell death, E93 in MTs. We hypothesize that reduction of E93 could be because of over expression of ecdysone oxidase, which is high in MTs and is responsible for regulation of hormone titer by degradation of ecdysone. Ectopic expression of E93 in MTs results in cell death through autophagy. Fork head, which is crucial for survival, is enriched in the MT transcriptome, and its down regulation in MTs could be consequent to over expression of E93. Together our data suggests that the cascade of events initiated by ecdysone mediates survival of MTs through concerted action of multiple factors.

Background: Cells trigger caspase-mediated apoptosis to eliminate themselves from the system when tissue needs to be sculptured, or they detect any abnormality within them, thus preventing irreparable damage to the host. However, nonapoptotic activities of caspases are also involved in many cellular functions. Interestingly, Drosophila Malpighian tubules (MTs) express apoptotic proteins, without succumbing to cell death.Results: We show apoptosis-independent role of executioner caspase-3, Drice, in MT morphogenesis. Drice is required for precise cytoskeleton organization and convergent extension, failing which morphology, size, cell number, and arrangement get affected. Furthermore, characteristic stellate cell shape transformation in MTs is also governed by Drice. Genetic interaction study shows that Drice mediates its action by regulating Rho1GTPase functionally, and localization of polarity protein Disc large. Subsequently, downregulation of Rho1GTPase in Drice mutants significantly rescues the cystic MTs phenotype.The study shows a mechanism by which Drice governs tubulogenesis via Rho1GTPase-mediated coordinated organization of actin cytoskeleton and membrane stabilization. Conclusion: Collectively our findings suggest a nonapoptotic function of caspase-3 in fine-tuning of cellular rearrangement during tubule development, and these results will add to the growing understanding of diverse roles of caspases during its evolution in metazoans.

Cells trigger apoptosis to eliminate themselves from the system, when tissue needs to be sculptured or they detect any abnormality within them, thus preventing irreparable damage to the host. Drosophila Malpighian tubules express apoptotic proteins, without succumbing to cell death. Here we present evidence to show apoptosis independent role of executioner caspase, Drice, for precise architecture and function of Malpighian tubules. Drice is required for precise cytoskeleton organization and convergent extension, failing which the morphology, size, cellular number and arrangement gets affected. Acquisition of star shape of stellate cells in adult Malpighian tubules requires Drice. We demonstrate that Drice regulates expression of Rho1GTPase and localization of polarity proteins. Our study shows a probable mechanism by which Drice governs tubulogenesis via Rho1GTPase mediated coordinated organization of actin cytoskeleton and membrane stablisation. Furthermore, defective morphology of tubules leads to abnormal osmoregulation and excretory functions. Collectively our findings suggest a possible non-apoptotic function of caspase-3 in the fine tuning of cell mobility during tubule development and our results will add to the growing understanding of diverse roles of caspases during its evolution in metazoans.

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