Articles tagged with Drosophila
New research reveals the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian UNR protein as a co-factor required for SXL-mediated repression of msl-2 translation. This mechanism prevents dosage compensation in female cells, highlighting an essential role for the UNR protein in maintaining sex-specific regulation.
Scientists found that RNAi machinery plays a role in maintaining telomere length by regulating retrotransposon transposition. Mutations in key components of the system increase telomere element transposition.
Researchers have identified two chitin deacetylase genes as controlling tracheal tube length in Drosophila. These enzymes modify the chitinous mandrel to instruct termination of tube elongation, suggesting a mechanistic model for size regulation.
Researchers found that fruit fly species D. sechellia develops a specialized olfactory system to detect the morinda fruit, which is toxic to other species. This unique system involves increased numbers and sensitivity of specific olfactory hairs, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation in just a limited time span.
The study provides conclusive evidence for the activation model of dosage compensation in flies, revealing that MSL upregulates X-linked genes twofold in males. This finding resolves a longstanding debate and highlights the importance of fine-tuning gene expression.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding gene regulation by opening the O-box, a previously inaccessible region of genes. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new therapies and treatments.
Dmir-1 is specifically expressed in muscle cells, regulating Twist and Mef2 transcription factors. Muscle integrity and identity are maintained by Dmir-1, ensuring non-muscle gene mRNAs remain inactive.
An international team has launched the first detailed physical map of Drosophila buzzatii chromosomes, a species widely used in studies of genome evolution and ecological adaptation. The map was constructed using genomic library and physical mapping techniques, providing insights into the species' evolutionary history.
A new study found that a single gene, Fruitless, is responsible for controlling fly sexual behavior. The researchers discovered that female flies with the male version of the protein behave like males and engage in nearly identical courtship rituals.
The Hox gene complex has been rearranged differently in several Drosophila species, but their expression and function are conserved. The research suggests that Hox gene clustering is a result of evolutionary history rather than functional necessity.
Researchers identified two new loci influencing female mate choice, favoring same-species mating over closely related ones. Genetic analysis shows female mating discrimination is inherited as a dominant trait, with genes linked to olfaction and X chromosomes.
Researchers discover nitric oxide synthase is crucial for Drosophila development, leading to the death of flies lacking the gene. The study uses genetic analysis and mutations to provide conclusive evidence that NOS function is essential for an organism's development.
Researchers discovered that the Hmx gene, which was previously thought to only develop the central nervous system in fruit flies, can also direct development of the inner ear and hypothalamus in mice. This suggests that old genes can be repurposed for new functions through regulatory element shuffling, enabling evolutionary advancements.
A novel method developed by UCSD biologists allows for the simultaneous visualization of multiple genes' activity in individual cells, revealing their fate and potential applications in understanding tumor growth and stem cell therapy. This technique enables researchers to quantify gene expression and infer genetic makeup.
Researchers discovered a cluster of 60 nerve cells choreographing the courtship ritual in male flies. Interfering with these cells resulted in reproductive failure and abnormal behaviors, supporting the idea that basic circuitry mediates attraction and mating across species.
A team of researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona has discovered a new genetic mechanism for evolution involving transposons and antisense RNA. Transposons can silence genes by inducing antisense RNA, leading to favorable changes in adaptation and survival.
Biologists discover a candidate hybrid compatibility gene that exhibits functional divergence, confirming its status as a true speciation gene. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of reproductive isolation, which is crucial for defining species.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers identified the 'reaper' genes as critical components of cell death in Drosophila. The discovery opens doors to developing targeted cancer treatments by unleashing death-inducing genes specifically at unwanted cells. Ecdysone plays a crucial role in triggering this process.
The project aims to sequence Drosophila genomes to capture natural variation and develop technology for studying human genomic variation. The data will be publicly released and software developed as part of the grant will be open sourced.
The Indiana University-led FlyBase team will develop and maintain the public interface of the database, while the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center will provide prized Drosophila mutants crucial to various scientific fields. Over 12,000 scientists worldwide have authored papers about Drosophila in the past.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that changes to genes regulating olfactory behavior in fruit flies have far-reaching implications. The study used a model organism to quantify the extent of ripples in the genome affecting behavior, revealing that two-thirds of affected genes impact olfactory behavior.
A recent study by North Carolina State University researchers found that a gene variant in the Dopa decarboxylase enzyme is associated with variation in fruit fly lifespan. The study's results suggest that this genetic variation may also play a role in human longevity, with potential implications for pharmacological interventions to im...
Researchers have discovered a single gene mutation in flies that provides resistance to multiple, chemically unrelated pesticides. This mutation has spread globally and has been linked to devastating consequences if not addressed through reassessment of current pest management methods.
Researchers used fruit flies to study how age affects meiosis, a specialized cell division that gives rise to eggs and sperm. The study found that as fruit fly eggs 'age', errors in cell division increase, mirroring the phenomenon in humans, where birth defects like Down syndrome rise with maternal age.
A research team found a fly mutation that causes early cell death and neural degeneration in the brain, similar to human neurodegenerative diseases. The mutation is associated with protein aggregates found in human Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at University of Melbourne warn of potential risks in pesticide control due to widespread resistance discovered in Drosophila melanogaster fly species. The gene Cyp6g1 confers resistance by producing more protein that breaks down pesticides, posing significant challenges for future pest management options.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researcher Haifan Lin discovered that 63 percent of men with the overactive form of the hiwi gene are at risk of developing seminoma, a type of testicular cancer. The hiwi gene is highly correlated to seminoma, and its overexpression can lead to an increased risk of testicular cancer.
A protective protein called a chaperone suppresses the toxicity of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease. The study found that augmenting levels of Hsp70 corrected the deficit and overcame the toxic effect of loss of chaperone function.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have identified a gene called CREB that plays a role in regulating rest's rejuvenating effects. The study found that CREB activity is inversely related to the physiological urge for sleep and that blocking this activity increases the need for sleep after a period of wakefulness.