Generation and Staining of MARCM Clones in Drosophila: Figure 1.

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONDendrite morphological diversity helps to define the properties of neural circuits by influencing circuit organization and information processing. Dendrite development has been shown to be driven by a combination of cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors. However, much remains to be discovered about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that give rise to unique yet highly stereotyped dendrite arbors of diverse neuronal types. Work in the last decade has established the Drosophila system as an excellent model for studies of dendrite morphogenesis. Mosaic analysis with a repressible cell marker (MARCM) permits resolution of dendrites at a single-cell level and genetic manipulation of individual neurons to assess gene function during neuronal morphogenesis. Mosaic systems for examining mutant phenotypes are advantageous for studies of larval stages because of the ability to discern cell-autonomous phenotypes at very high resolution. The protocol described here can be used to generate and label MARCM clones for the analysis of dendritic patterning and branching control in Drosophila.