Expression of Gcn2^UAS.cBa, throughout development, under the control of Scer\GAL4^ple.PF results in small, anorexic larvae that do not grow and die 4-7 days after hatching. In combination with a Gal80[ts] transgene to restrict expression to the 3 hours prior to analysis, larval and adult food intake is significantly reduced and larval roaming (food avoidance) is significantly increased, with no effect on larval mobility (in the absence of food), compared to controls; the number and aspect of Scer\GAL4^ple.PF neurons is normal and there is no induction of apoptosis (activated caspase 3 staining) in the larval brain.

Expression of Gcn2^Act.UAS under the control of Scer\GAL4^Ddc.PU, but not Scer\GAL4^c061, Scer\GAL4^NPF.PU, Scer\GAL4^Trh.PB, Scer\GAL4^Tdc2.PU, Scer\GAL4^repo.PU or Scer\GAL4^Hug.PU, in combination with a Gal80[ts] transgene to restrict expression to the 3 hours prior to analysis, results in a significant reduction in larval food intake.