Intron-targeted mutagenesis reveals roles for Dscam1 RNA pairing architecture-driven splicing bias in neuronal wiring.

Drosophila melanogaster Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam1) can generate 38,016 different isoforms through largely stochastic, yet highly biased, alternative splicing. These isoforms are required for nervous functions. However, the functional significance of splicing bias remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence that Dscam1 splicing bias is required for mushroom body (MB) axonal wiring. We generate mutant flies with normal overall protein levels and an identical number but global changes in exon 4 and 9 isoform bias (DscamΔ4D^−/− and DscamΔ9D^−/−), respectively. In contrast to DscamΔ4D^−/−, DscamΔ9D^−/− exhibits remarkable MB defects, suggesting a variable domain-specific requirement for isoform bias. Importantly, changes in isoform bias cause axonal defects but do not influence the self-avoidance of axonal branches. We conclude that, in contrast to the isoform number that provides the molecular basis for neurite self-avoidance, isoform bias may play a role in MB axonal wiring by influencing non-repulsive signaling. [Display omitted] • Base pairing mediates Dscam1 variable exon 4 and 9 selection • Splicing bias is driven by diversifying base pairing architecture • Dscam1 splicing bias is essential for mushroom body axonal wiring • Isoform bias alteration does not affect the self-avoidance of MB axonal branches Hong et al. provide evidence that Dscam1 splicing bias is required for mushroom body (MB) axonal wiring. In contrast to the Dscam1 isoform number that provides the molecular basis for neurite self-avoidance, isoform bias may play a role in MB axonal wiring by influencing non-repulsive signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]