Maintenance of motor neuron structure and function is crucial in development and motor behaviour. However, the genetic regulatory mechanism of motor neuron function remains less well understood. In the present study, we identify a novel neuroprotective role of the microRNA miR-969 in Drosophila motor neurons. miR-969 is highly expressed in motor neurons. Loss of miR-969 results in early-onset and age-progressive locomotion impairment. Flies lacking miR-969 also exhibit shortened lifespan. Moreover, miR-969 is required in motor neurons. We further identify kay as a functionally important target of miR-969. Together, our results indicate that miR-969 can protect motor neuron function by limiting kay activity in Drosophila.

维持运动神经元的结构和功能对于发育和运动行为至关重要。但是，运动神经元功能的遗传调控机制仍然知之甚少。在本研究中，我们确定了果蝇运动神经元中的microRNA miR-969的新型神经保护作用。miR-969在运动神经元中高度表达。miR-969的丢失会导致早期发作和年龄增长的运动障碍。缺少miR-969的果蝇的寿命也会缩短。此外，运动神经元需要miR-969。我们进一步确定kay是miR-969的重要功能靶标。总之，我们的结果表明miR-969可通过限制果蝇中的kay活性来保护运动神经元功能。