A third functional isoform enriched in mushroom body neurons is encoded by the Drosophila 14-3-3ζ gene

14-3-3 Proteins are highly conserved across eukaryotes, typically encoded by multiple genes in most species. Drosophila has only two such genes, 14-3-3 zeta (leo), encoding two isoforms LEOI and LEOII, and 14-3-3 epsilon. We report a bona fide third functional isoform encoded by leo divergent from the other two in structurally and functionally significant areas, thus increasing 14-3-3 diversity in Drosophila. Furthermore, we used a novel approach of spatially restricted leo abrogation by RNA-interference and revealed differential LEO distribution in adult heads, with LEOIII enrichment in neurons essential for learning and memory in Drosophila. (C) 2009 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.