Expression of Dp(4;3)RC049 substantially suppresses the reduction in lifespan and locomotor defects seen in homozygous Gyf^MI00455 mutant flies. The locomotor defects are restored by Dp(4;3)RC049 at two weeks, but a reduction in climbing ability compared to controls is seen at 4 weeks. Heterozygous Gyf^MI00455 mutant flies also display a reduction in climbing ability at 4 weeks.

The accumulation of autophagosomes and acidic autolysosomes seen in wild type larvae at the wandering third instar stage are severely abrogated in Gyf^MI00455 mutant flies. Defects in starvation-induced autophagy are also seen.

2-week old Gyf^MI00455 mutant flies accumulate a highly elevated amount of ubiquitinated proteins in the body, and this is suppressed by Dp(4;3)RC049. The optic lobe medulla and skeletal muscle tissues of Gyf^MI00455 mutants exhibit a number of damaged mitochondria, a phenotype that is rarely seen in wild type flies. Extensive apoptotic cell death is seen in both tissues, and in muscle the Z band in the sarcomere structure is frequently broadened.