Hsp70 promoter and regulatory regions drive expression of the synthetic RQT157 non-coding RNA which is known to bind human recombinant prion protein (hrPrP).
Male flies expressing two copies ofZzzz\aptamerhs.RQT157 exhibit an increased proportion of non-sexual activity during courtship compared to wild type flies, and this effect is seen both with and without heat shock. The increase in the proportion of time spent in orientation and pursuit normally seen in wild type flies in response to heat shock is absent in these flies. The proportion of time spent in vibration and attempted copulation is small compared to wild type.
Male flies expressing two copies of Zzzz\aptamerhs.RQT157 exhibit the usual shift from courtship behaviour to non-sexual activity seen in wild type flies in response to courting a mated female. As in wild type, heat shocking the flies has no effect on this behavior.
