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Investigating cocaine addiction using fruit flies

A new study uses a fruit fly model to investigate the genetic basis of cocaine addiction. By genetically modifying bitter-sensing receptors in fruit flies, researchers found that these flies developed a preference for cocaine over sugar. This study suggests that genes involved in human cocaine addiction may also be active in fruit flies.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 2, 2025

Genomes from 25 museum specimens of Drosophila melanogaster (some more than 200 years old) reveal that small populations occupying northern Europe gave way to well-connected fly populations across the continent

Recent study on Drosophila melanogaster museum specimens shows that Northern European populations gave way to well-connected fly populations across the continent. The analysis also highlights genes that may have helped this species adapt to novel climates, viruses, and insecticides.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 12, 2023

The architect of genome folding

Researchers discovered HP1a as an epigenetic regulator that establishes the global structure of the genome in early Drosophila embryos. The study used powerful genetics and 3D genome modeling to show that HP1a is required for proper chromatin organization at multiple hierarchical levels during embryonic development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2021

What's in a genome?

A whole-genome sequence of the fruit fly Drosophila mauritiana has been completed, revealing high genetic diversity across its chromosomes. The researchers identified two large regions with conserved sequences and propose that these may be the result of intragenomic conflict, potentially acting as 'speciation genes'.

Defending the genome

Researchers discovered that when a new transposon is introduced, it triggers a response that disrupts the piRNA machinery, leading to a massive destabilization of the genome. However, as the hybrids aged, they learned to shut down the new transposon and restore fertility.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 22, 2011

A 'jumping gene's' preferred targets may influence genome evolution

Researchers have discovered that certain transposon elements can coordinate their movement with DNA replication, allowing them to spread more rapidly through genomes. P elements, one such transposon, tend to insert themselves near the beginning of genes and at regions functioning as starting sites or origins for DNA duplication.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2011

Comparative analyses of 12 fly genomes reveals new insights on genome evolution and regulation

The study of 12 Drosophila genomes provides novel insights into microRNA (miRNA) regulation, identifying 59 new miRNAs and revealing greater diversity in their role in gene expression. The analysis also reveals emergent gene function and post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, with potential applications in human disease research.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 7, 2007

12 fly genomes published

The complete genomes of 12 Drosophila species were published in Nature, revealing genetic differences similar to those between humans and chickens. This research provides a less-biased view of evolutionary processes, enabling a better understanding of the human genome.

New species from old data

Researchers have discovered three new bacterial species, Wolbachia wAna, wSim, and wMoj, in the genomes of Drosophila fruit flies. The discovery was made by scanning raw genomic data from the Trace Archive, a public repository of sequencing projects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005

Key sensory proteins unveiled in mosquito genome found by Illinois entomologist

Researchers have identified 276 G protein-coupled receptors in the Anopheles mosquito genome, including 155 external chemosensory receptors that allow female mosquitoes to detect humans and other mammals by taste or smell. The discovery provides a new approach to studying mosquitoes and reducing the spread of malaria and other diseases.