This report describes a Parkinson-like neurodegenerative disease model using the Drosophila Fer2 gene. Dmel\Fer2 encodes a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor with some similarity to human PTF1A, however, PTF1A is more closely related to a paralogous gene in Drosophila, Fer1. RNAi targeting constructs, overexpression constructs, and alleles caused by insertional mutagenesis have been generated for Fer2.
In flies, Fer2 is expressed in and required for the development and survival of specific dopaminergic neurons in pupal and adult brain. Loss of Fer2 expression in adulthood causes progressive degeneration of those neurons; progressive locomotor deficits are observed; protective responses to oxidative stress are impaired. These phenotypes, including the impact upon dopaminergic neurons, recapitulate basic aspects of Parkinson disease. Genetic interactions of Fer2 with Drosophila genes used to model Parkinson disease have been reported, including foxo (see FBhh0000906), park (see FBhh0000008), and Lrrk (see FBhh0000011).
[updated Mar. 2022 by FlyBase; FBrf0222196]
Low-scoring ortholog of human PTF1A; PTF1A is more closely related to Dmel\Fer1.
