Survival, Movement, and Lifespan: Decoding the Roles of Patched-Related (Ptr) in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Patched-related (Ptr) is a transmembrane protein implicated in developmental processes in Drosophila melanogaster, yet its precise role remains incompletely understood. Here, we use Ptr23c null mutants to investigate the functional significance of Ptr through the entire life cycle monitoring survival during embryonic, larval, pupal and adult development, and studying larval locomotion and muscle structure. We report that Ptr23c larvae displayed impaired hatching, indicative of defective embryonic development. Moreover, mutant larvae exhibited reduced mobility and lethargy, suggesting a potential involvement of Ptr in neuromuscular function. Morphological analysis of somatic muscles in mutant larvae revealed enlarged cell nuclei. Despite high pre-adult mortality, a subset of Ptr23c mutant adults display an unexpected extension in lifespan compared to controls, implicating Ptr in the regulation of longevity. Our findings provide critical insights into the multifaceted role of Ptr in Drosophila development, highlighting its contributions to post-embryonic survival, neuromuscular function, and lifespan regulation. This study underscores the significance of exploring broader genetic networks to unravel the complexities of developmental processes.