YPEL controls synapse development through p62-Nrf2 antioxidant pathway in Drosophila neuromuscular junction

The Yippee-like (YPEL) genes are highly conserved among all eukaryotic species, yet the molecular and cellular pathways that YPEL regulate are poorly understood. Human and animal studies suggest that YPEL is involved in nervous system functions. Here we report that YPEL is necessary for synapse development in neuromuscular junction and motor functions in Drosophila. YPEL interacts with the Drosophila p62, Refractory to sigma P, which forms cytoplasmic proteinaceous bodies for selective autophagy and signaling. YPEL overexpression decreased p62 bodies, while increased p62 bodies were observed in YPEL mutant neurons. Suppressing p62 bodies by reducing p62 gene dosage significantly alleviated both synaptic and locomotion defects in YPEL mutants, suggesting that YPEL acts through p62 for synapse development. On the other hand, suppressing p62 bodies via autophagy did not restore synapse development in YPEL mutants. Interestingly, reduced levels of reactive oxygen species were found in YPEL mutants, which is consistent with the role of p62 in promoting the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway. Overexpressing Drosophila Nrf2, Cap n collar (Cnc), phenocopied the synaptic and locomotion deficits in YPEL mutants. Importantly, both synaptic and locomotion defects were completely rescued by knocking down Cnc in YPEL mutant motor neurons. Taken together, our study demonstrates that YPEL negatively controls p62 - Nrf2 antioxidant pathway for neuromuscular synapse development and locomotion.