Neuroligine, synaptische Regulation und Sozialverhalten von Mensch und Fliege

Neuroligins represent a family of phylogenetically conserved adhesion molecules that regulate synaptic physiology. Their malfunction is associated with autism spectrum disorders. Courtship and aggression of Drosophila melanogaster can serve as a model system to study the function of neuroligins in the proper execution of social behaviours, communication and cognitive tasks, the functions that are compromised in autistic patients.