A Neuropeptide Gene Defined by the Drosophila Memory Mutant amnesiac

Mutations in genes required for associative learning and memory in Drosophila exist, but isolation of the genes has been difficult because most are defined by a single, chemically induced allele. Here, a simplified genetic screen was used to identify candidate genes involved in learning and memory. Second site suppressors of the dunce (dnc) female sterility phenotype were isolated with the use of transposon mutagenesis. One suppressor mutation that was recovered mapped in the amnesiac (amn) gene. Cloning of the locus revealed that amn encodes a previously uncharacterized neuropeptide gene. Thus, with the cloning of amn, specific neuropeptides are implicated in the memory process.