Articles tagged with Drosophila
A team of scientists at UC San Diego identified a protein called Sestrin as a natural inhibitor of aging and age-related pathologies in fruit flies. Sestrin regulates the AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway, which controls aging and metabolism.
Researchers at Caltech have recorded brain-cell activity in actively flying fruit flies, revealing that the visual system becomes more sensitive during flight. The study suggests that this increased sensitivity is linked to a neurochemical release that sets the animal's brain in a different state.
The Genetics Society of America has announced the recipients of the 2010 DeLill Nasser Travel Awards, which support young geneticists attending national and international meetings or laboratory courses. The six winners will use their awards to attend various conferences and workshops in the US and internationally.
Scientists are studying the physical processes of ice formation in insects to understand why some survive freezing while others don't. The research found that insects that freeze at consistently higher temperatures have adaptations that allow them to control ice formation, implying cellular or biochemical level adaptations.
Researchers at Caltech have challenged the long-held theory on fruit-fly development, showing that a key transcription factor's influence is less widespread and varies over time. The study reveals a more complex system where cells respond to changing signals from the transcription factor Dorsal.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a fruit fly model to study the genetics of human diabetes. The model uses genetic approaches to delete specific genes involved in insulin production, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and symptoms similar to human Type 1 diabetes.
A new pest, the Spotted Wing Drosophila fly, has been identified in Oregon's Willamette Valley wine grapes, causing significant losses to cherry and peach crops. The fly's larvae are small and shapeless, but culture methods can confirm its identity.
Research identifies opposing roles for phosphorylated alpha-synuclein amino acids in Parkinson's disease. Phosphorylation at Tyr125 protects nerve cells from alpha-synuclein toxicity, whereas Ser129 phosphorylation increases toxic oligomers.
A study published in Aging Cell found that the conserved protein d4eBP protects heart function against aging, revealing a potential mechanism for cardiac aging. The research also sheds light on the TOR and FoxO signaling pathways, with implications for human heart health.
A study published in PLoS Biology reveals that fruit flies can detect and avoid the plant toxin L-canavanine using a modified glutamate receptor called DmXR. This detection is crucial for their survival, as consuming the toxin can lead to reproductive failure.
In Drosophila montana, males try to prolong copulation to increase their chances of fathering offspring. The researchers found that when females were prevented from dislodging the copulating male, matings lasted one-and-a-half times longer.
The article describes a new approach for targeted mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster using ChIP-Seq analysis. The SIRT method combines homologous recombination, site-specific integration, and bacterial recombineering to facilitate efficient genetic variants at specific loci. This novel technique enables researchers to investigate g...
Researchers have identified cellular components in mosquitoes and humans that the dengue virus uses to multiply, paving the way for potential treatments. The study found 116 host factors, including 42 with human counterparts, which may serve as targets for new drugs.
Researchers discover that large genomes make it easier to find regions of DNA controlling gene activity. The study used the genomes of flies and other insects to identify regulatory sequences previously difficult to detect in human genomes.
A new NC State University study reveals that fruit flies have a genetically wired sleep pattern, with males sleeping more during the day and females having more frequent bouts of sleep. The research identified 1,700 genes associated with sleep variability, shedding light on how these genes may influence human sleep.
Researchers at Rutgers University–Camden have identified a complex coding language that allows cells to organize and communicate, enabling the formation of intricate patterns in fruit fly eggs. This breakthrough understanding of genetic patterning has implications for our knowledge of developmental biology and diseases like cancer.
Researchers discovered a Seychelles fly species that lays larvae instead of eggs, potentially revealing an evolutionary step to live birth. The study found that these flies' eggs hatch quickly and develop advanced structures, suggesting a unique reproductive strategy.
Research reveals that different wildtype Drosophila species respond selectively to natural odors like bananas and mangos, but not artificial flavors. The behavior is influenced by nutritional conditions and genetic adaptations to environment.
A study of 228 women identified two genetic variants associated with body shape, one affecting European American women and the other African American women. These variants were also linked to weight, lean mass, height, total fat mass, and HDL-cholesterol levels.
A team of biologists has identified a collection of novel proteins transferred from male to female fruit flies during mating, which influence female behavior and favor male success. The study reveals that these proteins are rapidly evolving and potentially under intense selection pressure.
Researchers found that Nucleostemin 3 (NS3) is required in serotonin-producing neurons to regulate body size. NS3 disruption leads to a 60% reduction in fly body size, highlighting the link between serotonergic and insulin signaling pathways.
A study published in PLOS ONE estimates that both island species were isolated around the same time, approximately 250,000 years ago. The researchers suggest that a moderate-sized ancestral population could reconcile differences in gene divergence patterns among the species.
Spradling's work on fruit fly genomics revolutionized developmental genetics and biology, advancing understanding of stem cells and their roles in human development and disease. His discoveries have led to new insights into digestive diseases, intestinal cancers, and infection strategies.
Allan Spradling receives the 2008 Gruber Genetics Prize for groundbreaking discoveries about stem cell development in Drosophila melanogaster. His work has significantly contributed to understanding human genetics, development, and disease.
Scientists discover a new gene, sphinx, in Drosophila melanogaster that regulates male-male courtship behavior. The absence of the gene leads to increased male-male interaction and altered mating habits.
Researchers used a transgenic fruit fly model to study how Salmonella evades immune defenses, finding that the protein AvrA shuts down key signaling pathways. This allows the bacteria to cause severe intestinal infections. The study's results suggest that other pathogens may target similar biochemical networks to avoid elimination.
A research team has discovered the first functional insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) ortholog in invertebrates. The newly identified protein, called imaginal morphogenesis protein-late 2 (Imp-L2), binds to insulin and inhibits its growth-promoting function, regulating growth control and insulin signaling.
Researchers successfully relocated the elusive Drosophila endobranchia species on land-crabs in Grand Cayman, shedding light on its evolutionary history. The study revealed that these flies are closely related to other Caribbean crab flies, suggesting a unique adaptation to their unusual breeding habitat.
A genetic screen revealed that Drosophila mutants with lower arousal thresholds have difficulty staying asleep, likely due to hyperarousability. This finding suggests that changes in arousal threshold may be a common mechanism underlying sleep regulation and is relevant to human insomnia.
Researchers reconstructed neural network in Drosophila's medulla, identifying full complement of neurons involved in color vision processing. The study provides a paradigm for understanding how color vision is processed in more complex systems, such as vertebrates.
The MMB/dREAM complex, composed of Myb and E2F2-RB proteins, epigenetically regulates expression of the Polo kinase in Drosophila. Disruptions to this pathway are associated with human cancers and may lead to similar epigenetic changes.
Researchers have discovered a novel mode of neurogenesis in Drosophila that shares similarities with mammalian brains. This breakthrough suggests key aspects of neural development may be conserved across insects and mammals.
A recent study found that many interactions detected by ChIP-chip are functionally irrelevant. The researchers discovered a clear relationship between the number of factor molecules bound at a given site and its role in gene regulation, suggesting that DNA sites with low-level binding may play no role in regulating gene expression.
Researchers found Celecoxib reduces heart rate and increases irregularities, but not through COX-2 inhibition. Drosophila model reveals a direct effect on potassium channels generating heartbeat.
Research reveals antisense transcription of the Hox miRNA locus generates a novel miRNA precursor, mir-iab-8, which represses Hox gene targets, resulting in homeotic phenotypes. Additional antisense miRNAs identified in Drosophila and mammals may contribute to diversification of miRNA function.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that the number of X chromosomes determines the sex of a fruit fly embryo, contradicting previous findings. The researchers discovered that only two X chromosomes can produce a signal to feminize the embryo during a specific stage of development.
The Drosophila 12 Genomes Consortium's massive collaboration has revealed considerable flaws in the way human genome biologists identify genes, showcasing the importance of comparing closely-related species. The study found over 1,193 new protein-coding genes and hundreds of new functional elements across 12 fruit fly genomes.
A study published in Genome Biology has identified genes associated with alcohol sensitivity in fruit flies. The research team found over 1000 genes that differ in expression between sensitive and resistant flies, including 23 human orthologs that could be linked to alcohol sensitivity in humans.
Researchers found that flies have a complex immune system regulated by AP-1 and STAT transcription factors, which edit and repress the immune response to prevent 'friendly fire'. This mechanism is evolutionarily conserved to maintain balanced immune responses.
Researchers found that aging flies accumulate significant amounts of bacteria both inside and out, yet this does not affect their longevity. The study suggests that the energy spent fighting bacteria is not at the expense of overall health.
A new study has identified a key genetic function involved in wing formation in fruit flies, providing insight into the internal laws regulating embryo development. The research uses mathematical modeling to simulate biological systems and confirms the stability of this gene network across evolution.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona identified a new signaling mechanism in Drosophila melanogaster that allows two independent groups of cells to collaborate and send signals to target cells. This mechanism is crucial for proper cell function and development.
Researchers have characterized mutant phenotypes of fly lamin genes, showing they cause neuromuscular defects and premature aging similar to human laminopathies. This study provides insight into the divergence of gene expression and function through evolution, promising greater understanding of lamin functions and diseases.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are part of a $57 million NIH grant project to identify functional elements in the genomes of fruit flies and roundworms. The project aims to shed light on human genome function, with findings potentially aiding cancer research and gene expression control.
Researchers found that BiP levels increase after prolonged wakefulness and decline during recovery sleep, affecting the need for additional rest. The study suggests that protective mechanisms against cellular stress may be attenuated after sleep deprivation, requiring animals to sleep more to recover.
Scientists have developed a novel technique for in vivo imaging of neuronal function using bioluminescence, enabling the monitoring of calcium activity in neurons or the brain as a whole. This approach has been validated by recording neurons in the ellipsoid body and demonstrates its sensitivity and ability to study all brain structures.
Researchers found that fruit flies' flight patterns are optimal for searching, using scale-free movement with intermittent turns. This behavior is also observed in other animals, including humans and crickets, suggesting a unified theory for finding food.
Researchers found that specialist fruit fly Drosophila sechellia is losing genes for smell and taste receptors at a faster rate than its generalist relative Drosophila simulans. This adaptation may help the flies adjust to eating specific plants.
Researchers at Stowers Institute have identified a cellular factor that can reverse histone trimethylation associated with mixed lineage leukemia. This discovery may lead to the identification of new targets for the treatment of leukemia caused by MLL translocations.
A collaborative study by Sanford Burnham Prebys and UC San Diego found that mutations in a molecular channel in fly hearts caused arrhythmias similar to those found in humans. The researchers believe that understanding the regulation of this channel could lead to new treatments for age-related heart disease.
A study found that oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, decreased neuron death in these insects.
Researchers at UC Davis have successfully engineered fruit flies to respond to the scent of silkworm moths, a breakthrough that could lead to designing better chemicals to attract insects. The findings have important implications for agricultural pest control and medical entomology, with potential applications in suppressing insect com...
A study in fruit flies reveals how genes respond to alcohol, offering insights into human susceptibility to abuse. The researchers found that exposure to alcohol modifies the expression of many genes in flies, some of which are also present in humans.
Researchers at UCSF discover spineless gene's role in controlling dendritic branching patterns in fruit fly neurons. The findings suggest the gene may convert primordial patterns for different neuron types, potentially contributing to neurological disorders like autism.
Researchers found that microRNA-9a regulates neural development in fruit flies, controlling the precise production of sensory organ precursor cells. mir-9a also represses transcription factor Senseless to regulate neuronal precursor cell numbers in Drosophila and potentially in mammalian neurogenesis.
Researchers at FSU have identified a key component in cell polarity formation in fruit fly eggs, which also play a role in human diseases like muscular dystrophy and some cancers. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of how cell-to-cell communication occurs in other types of cells and organisms.
Researchers have identified Piwi's partners in gene silencing pathways using small RNAs in Drosophila. This finding introduces a novel pathway of gene silencing, leveraging the association of Piwi with specific small RNAs called rasiRNAs.
Scientists have discovered that sperm and male proteins trigger a cascade of gene activity in female fruit flies' reproductive tracts six hours after mating. This finding provides new insights into reproduction and could lead to innovative methods for controlling insect pests.
Researchers used fruit fly models to study the effects of 14 different Presenilin mutations, finding a correlation between mutation severity and age of onset in human patients. The study supports the view that Presenilin activity affects clinical heterogeneity in early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers mapped dynamic Polycomb group protein PC and PH across various developmental stages in Drosophila. The study reveals the proteins' diverse binding locations, implying different gene silencing mechanisms. Further analysis is needed to understand their role in development and conservation across species.