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A reduced arousal threshold in Drosophila mutants prevents them from staying asleep
April 01, 2008WESTCHESTER, Ill. - Most short-sleeping mutant phenotypes in Drosophila (a genus of small flies) are characterized by an inability to stay asleep, most likely because of a reduced arousal threshold, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP.
"The development of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system to study sleep was driven by the goal of using this system to carry out large scale genetic screening, in order to identify novel genes that regulate sleep," said Mark Wu, MD, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania, lead author of the study. "However, to date, only one such screen has been carried out in Drosophila. In our manuscript, we describe a screen for short-sleeping mutant flies and find that these mutants generally have difficulty staying asleep, probably because they are hyperarousable. These data suggest that changes in arousal threshold are a common mechanism by which sleep may be perturbed. Interestingly, hyperarousability appears to be an important mechanism underlying insomnia in humans as well. From this screen, we also identified a novel allele of a dopamine transporter previously implicated in sleep regulation. As we continue to clone genes from screens such as these, we hope to identify novel molecules and pathways required for sleep."
It is recommended that adults get between seven and eight hours of nightly sleep.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) offers the following tips on how to get a good night's sleep:
* Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
* Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
* Get a full night's sleep every night.
* Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medicine that has a stimulant, prior to bedtime.
* Do not bring your worries to bed with you.
* Do not go to bed hungry, but don't eat a big meal before bedtime either.
* Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime.
* Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.
* Get up at the same time every morning.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) offers the following tips on how to get a good night's sleep:
* Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
* Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
* Get a full night's sleep every night.
* Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medicine that has a stimulant, prior to bedtime.
* Do not bring your worries to bed with you.
* Do not go to bed hungry, but don't eat a big meal before bedtime either.
* Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime.
* Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.
* Get up at the same time every morning.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
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Drosophila: A Laboratory Handbook by Michael A. (Author), M.D. Ashburn (Author), Kent G. Golic (Author), R. Scott Hawley (Author) The second edition of the highly successful "grey book" Drosophila: A Laboratory Handbook, first published in 1989, has been completely updated to reflect advances in techniques and knowledge. The original format is maintained, providing a handy reference guide to most aspects of the biology of Drosophila. Each of the thirty–six chapters summarizes the present state of the subject, written with a historical perspective, but with an emphasis on the practical use of genetic and other methods. Extensively referenced. |
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Drosophila: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology) by Christian Dahmann (Editor) With its long-standing tradition as a model organism, many techniques using Drosophila melanogaster have been established and continue to be developed, while the recent invention of techniques allowing the knock-down of genes by RNA interference and gene replacement by homologous recombination demonstrates the ongoing efforts to broaden the technical repertoire. In Drosophila: Methods and Protocols, leading experts contribute a collection of protocols covering standard techniques as well as novel methods. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series, the chapters contain brief introductions to the subject matter, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and... |
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Drosophila Medium and Vials: Blue Drosophila Instant Medium; 1gal./Bag by Biological Resource Center Blue Drosophila Inst Medium 1glb.g | |
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Determined Drosophila Hoodie (dark) by CafePress |
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Drosophila Sun Project (Primary Contributor) |
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Colorful Enamel Fruit Fly Drosophila Insect Pin Brooch by Anna-Rosie The colorful fruit fly pin brooch is a rare seen fashion jewelry motif. Perfect arrangement of rhinestones and enamel painting on its body give it an endearing look. |
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Biologix Drosophila Bottles, Tray Pack, 200/cs by Biologix Research Features of the Biologix Drosophila Bottles: Made of high quality polypropylene with good visibility. The bottle capacity is 6 oz (177ml) with dimensions of 57L x 57W x 103mmH. Square Bottom, Disposable, and Autoclavable. Graduations are molded. The product referenced on this detail page is sold be 200/cs. |
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