Protein X, whose related proteins in humans may be involved in craniofacial and kidney disorders, was studied in the fruit fly <i>Drosophila</i> to determine if it is required in the function of ciliated cells as previously observed in zebrafish. In addition to chemosensory assays, sensory neurons were studied under confocal and electron microscopies. Loss of Protein X caused altered chemosensory function as well as shortened and disorganized cilia in organs responsible for hearing and proprioception. These studies have gotten one step closer in understanding Protein X’s mechanism of action in order to better understand its role in human diseases.

Loss of extracellular matrix protein X causes altered function of sensory neurons in Drosophila

251st National Meeting (2016)

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