Figure 1

GLaz expression and rescue with the GAL4/UAS system of the SCA1 neurodegeneration model in Drosophila. A, RT-qPCR levels of GLaz transcripts in 5–6 day old fly heads. Statistical differences assayed by Mann–Whitney U-test. *p < 0.05. B, Native over-expression of GLaz using the direct reporter transgene glaz:GLaz-GFP[FX]. Arrows point to GLaz-positive retinal support cells, and arrowhead indicates GLaz-positive basal glial cells. C-F, Adult (5-6d old) Drosophila eye morphology of control (gmr > +), degenerated (gmr > hATXN1^82Q) and rescue test (gmr > hATXN1^82Q + GLaz2). Representative examples of light microscopy (C), surface filter-processed image of the central retinal region in C (D), hematoxilin/eosin histochemistry of paraffin sections (E), and Ataxin 1 immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections (F) are shown. Double arrows mark the retina thickness in the histological sections (E), and arrows point to inclusion bodies of the poly-Q protein (F).