Expression of spagdsRNA.Scer\UAS.cUa in clock cells under the control of Scer\GAL4tim.PE leads to altered locomotor activity rhythms relative to wild-type. The spagdsRNA.Scer\UAS.cUa-expressing flies exhibit long periods (5.5-26.5 h) or arrhythmic locomotor activity depending on the specific RNAi transgene, the inclusion of Dcr-2 in the genotype and the duration of transgene expression after eclosion.
Flies expressing Scer\GAL4tim.PE>spagdsRNA.Scer\UAS.cUa show circadian-dependent activation of apoptosis in the head at an earlier age than do wild-type flies.
Flies expressing Scer\GAL4tim.PE>spagdsRNA.Scer\UAS.cUa initially climb as well as control flies. However, over time they decline in performance more rapidly than controls. In addition, the Scer\GAL4tim.PE>spagdsRNA.Scer\UAS.cUa flies show reduced lifespan compared with controls.