Loss of the Extracellular Matrix Protein Perlecan Disrupts Axonal and Synaptic Stability During Drosophila Development

Investigators identified a role for Drosophila Perlecan in the maintenance of larval motoneuron axonal and synaptic stability. Loss of Perlecan caused alterations in the axonal cytoskeleton, followed by axonal breakage and synaptic retraction of neuromuscular junctions.