Expression of Slc25A46^KK106656 under the control of Scer\GAL4^elav.PLu results in reduced locomotor ability in both third instar larvae (decreased crawling velocity) and adults (reduced climbing ability) but the adult viability is not significantly affected. The knock-down larvae also display morphological defects at the neuromuscular junction: decreased total branch length and reduced number of boutons. The size of the boutons is significantly decreased too but only when two copies of Slc25A46^KK106656 are used, as is the size of presynaptic active zones (visualized by brp staining). The size of mitochondria at the NMJ in Scer\GAL4^Toll-6-D42>Slc25A46^KK106656 larvae on the other hand is increased but their total number is comparable to controls.

Larvae expressing Slc25A46^KK106656 under Scer\GAL4^elav.PLu also display aberrations in the targeting of R7-R8 photoreceptor axons into medulla, the diameter/length ratio of the optic stalk is increased when two copies of Slc25A46^KK106656 are used but is not significantly changed with just one copy.