The tendency of branches from the same neuron (self-branches) to selectively avoid one another is known as self-avoidance. The expression of different isoforms of the Down Syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) gene, which expresses a neuronal cell recognition protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, ensures that repulsion is restricted to self-branches. Here, in Drosophila, the number of isoforms of Dscam1 required to prevent non-self branches from recognizing each other is determined.
- Daisuke Hattori
- Yi Chen
- S. Lawrence Zipursky
