Depending on the genetic background, spas^10-12/spas^5.75 transheterozygous larval ddaE neurons exhibit defects in axon regeneration, shown by a significant decrease in axon length, but not in dendrite regeneration, shown by a similar dendrite number, at 96h after laser-induced severance, as compared to controls. Upon axon severance in spas^10-12/spas^5.75 transheterozygous larval ddaE neurons, the endoplasmic reticulum is recruited to additional neurites and less strongly to the regenerating axon, as compared to the strong accumulation only at the regenerating axon in controls. Uninjured spas^10-12/spas^5.75 transheterozygous neurons do not show endoplasmic reticulum defects, as compared to controls.

spas^5.75 heterozygous larval ddaE neurons present an apparently normal early response to injury, as the pool of growing microtubules (identified as fluorescent EB1 comets) shown by the expected reversal of polarity at 24h after laser-induced severance, as compared to controls.

Mutant larvae have bouton numbers that do not differ significantly from controls. Mutant adults exhibit reduced flying ability. These animals climbing ability is close to wild-type. Mutant animals have an average lifespan of 35d at 25^oC (compared with 46 d for wild-type controls.)