Interactions with presynaptic photoreceptors mediated by the Dpr11 and DIP-γ cell surface proteins control selection and survival of Drosophila amacrine neurons

ABSTRACT Drosophila R7 UV photoreceptors (PRs) are divided into yellow (y) and pale (p) subtypes with different wavelength sensitivities. yR7 PRs express the Dpr11 cell surface protein and are presynaptic to Dm8 amacrine neurons (yDm8) that express Dpr11’s binding partner DIP-γ, while pR7 PRs synapse onto DIP-γ-negative pDm8 neurons. Dpr11 and DIP-γ expression patterns define yellow and pale medulla color vision circuits that project to higher-order areas. DIP- γ and dpr11 mutations affect the morphology of yDm8 arbors in the yellow circuit. yDm8 neurons are generated in excess during development and compete for presynaptic yR7 partners. Transsynaptic interactions between Dpr11 and DIP-γ are required for generation of neurotrophic signals that allow yDm8 neurons to survive. yDm8 and pDm8 neurons do not normally compete for neurotrophic support, but can be forced to do so by manipulating R7 subtype fates. DIP-γ-Dpr11 interactions allow yDm8 neurons to select yR7 PRs as their home column partners.