Homozygotes show about 30-50% reductions in locomotor (climbing) activity and lifespan compared to controls, and are abnormally sensitive to heat shock and oxidative stress (1% hydrogen peroxide).
The number of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the dorsomedial regions of mutant adult brains is initially similar to wild type flies. However, as mutant flies age and lose locomotor activities, the number of DA neurons decreases.