scholarly journals The cuticle inward barrier in Drosophila melanogaster is shaped by mitochondrial and nuclear genotypes and a sex-specific effect of diet

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Dong ◽  
Ralph Dobler ◽  
Damian K. Dowling ◽  
Bernard Moussian
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Mitochondrial Genomes ◽  
Insect Cuticle ◽  
Dye Penetration ◽  
Harmful Substances ◽  
Barrier Efficiency

An important role of the insect cuticle is to prevent wetting (i.e., permeation of water) and also to prevent penetration of potentially harmful substances. This barrier function mainly depends on the hydrophobic cuticle surface composed of lipids including cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). We investigated to what extent the cuticle inward barrier function depends on the genotype, comprising mitochondrial and nuclear genes in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and investigated the contribution of interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear genotypes (mito-nuclear interactions) on this function. In addition, we assessed the effects of nutrition and sex on the cuticle barrier function. Based on a dye penetration assay, we find that cuticle barrier function varies across three fly lines that were captured from geographically separated regions in three continents. Testing different combinations of mito-nuclear genotypes, we show that the inward barrier efficiency is modulated by the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes independently. We also find an interaction between diet and sex. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of cuticle inward barrier function in nature.

scholarly journals The use of Drosophila Melanogaster as a Model Organism to study the effect of Innate Immunity on Metabolism

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abeer Mohbeddin ◽  
Nawar Haj Ahmed ◽  
Layla Kamareddine
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Janus Kinase ◽  
Signal Transducer ◽  
Metabolic Homeostasis ◽  
Stat Signaling ◽  
Stat Pathway

Apart from its traditional role in disease control, recent body of evidence has implicated a role of the immune system in regulating metabolic homeostasis. Owing to the importance of this “immune-metabolic alignment” in dictating a state of health or disease, a proper mechanistic understanding of this alignment is crucial in opening up for promising therapeutic approaches against a broad range of chronic, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders like obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel syndrome. In this project, we addressed the role of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) innate immune pathway in regulating different metabolic parameters using the Drosophila melanogaster (DM) fruit fly model organism. Mutant JAK/STAT pathway flies with a systemic knockdown of either Domeless (Dome) [domeG0282], the receptor that activates JAK/STAT signaling, or the signal-transducer and activator of transcription protein at 92E (Stat92E) [stat92EEY10528], were used. The results of the study revealed that blocking JAK/STAT signaling alters the metabolic profile of mutant flies. Both domeG0282 and stat92EEY10528 mutants had an increase in body weight, lipid deprivation from their fat body (lipid storage organ in flies), irregular accumulation of lipid droplets in the gut, systemic elevation of glucose and triglyceride levels, and differential down-regulation in the relative gene expression of different peptide hormones (Tachykinin, Allatostatin C, and Diuretic hormone 31) known to regulate metabolic homeostasis in flies. Because the JAK/STAT pathway is evolutionary conserved between invertebrates and vertebrates, our potential findings in the fruit fly serves as a platform for further immune-metabolic translational studies in more complex mammalian systems including humans.

scholarly journals Drosophila SLC22 Orthologs Related to OATs, OCTs, and OCTNs Regulate Development and Responsiveness to Oxidative Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darcy C. Engelhart ◽  
Priti Azad ◽  
Suwayda Ali ◽  
Jeffry C. Granados ◽  
Gabriel G. Haddad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Organic Molecules ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Evolutionary Analysis ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Small Organic Molecules ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved

The SLC22 family of transporters is widely expressed, evolutionarily conserved, and plays a major role in regulating homeostasis by transporting small organic molecules such as metabolites, signaling molecules, and antioxidants. Analysis of transporters in fruit flies provides a simple yet orthologous platform to study the endogenous function of drug transporters in vivo. Evolutionary analysis of Drosophila melanogaster putative SLC22 orthologs reveals that, while many of the 25 SLC22 fruit fly orthologs do not fall within previously established SLC22 subclades, at least four members appear orthologous to mammalian SLC22 members (SLC22A16:CG6356, SLC22A15:CG7458, CG7442 and SLC22A18:CG3168). We functionally evaluated the role of SLC22 transporters in Drosophila melanogaster by knocking down 14 of these genes. Three putative SLC22 ortholog knockdowns—CG3168, CG6356, and CG7442/SLC22A—did not undergo eclosion and were lethal at the pupa stage, indicating the developmental importance of these genes. Additionally, knocking down four SLC22 members increased resistance to oxidative stress via paraquat testing (CG4630: p < 0.05, CG6006: p < 0.05, CG6126: p < 0.01 and CG16727: p < 0.05). Consistent with recent evidence that SLC22 is central to a Remote Sensing and Signaling Network (RSSN) involved in signaling and metabolism, these phenotypes support a key role for SLC22 in handling reactive oxygen species.

The Male Silkworm Moth (Antheraea pernyi) is a Key Ingredient in Hu-Bao and Sheng-Bao for Specific Prolongation of the Life-Span of the Male Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster)

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (02n03) ◽  
pp. 263-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Hu ◽  
Qiongmei Wang ◽  
Paul Q. Hu
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Health Products ◽  
Significant Life

It is well established in Traditional Chinese Medicine that certain natural products, such as male silkworm moths, have different therapeutic effects on men than on women. These natural products have been used as dietary supplements specifically formulated for men or for women. However, this presumed sex-specific effect of certain natural products has not yet been confirmed experimentally with animal models or in human clinical trials. Here, using the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a longevity model, we examined the effect of Hu-Bao (HB) and Seng-Bao (SB), two marketed health products made from a mixture of natural ingredients. Our results convincingly demonstrate that the effect of HB and SB are indeed specific for the male fly. The life-span of the male was significantly increased when HB or SB was added to the culture medium. In contrast, neither HB nor SB had much effect on the female fly. Upon removal of the male silkworm moth ingredient from HB or SB, the life-span prolongation effect of HB and SB was drastically diminished. Only with the addition of the male silkworm moth did the culture medium show a statistically significant life-span prolongation effect. This result suggests that the male silkworm moth is a key ingredient, in combination with other components, for specific prolongation of the life-span of male flies.

scholarly journals Cannabinoids Modulate Food Preference and Consumption in Drosophila Melanogaster

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianzheng He ◽  
Alice Tan ◽  
Si Ng ◽  
Fengwei Yu
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Feeding Behaviors ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Inhibit Food Intake

Abstract Cannabinoids have an important role in regulating feeding behaviors via cannabinoid receptors in mammals. Cannabinoids also exhibit potential therapeutic functions in Drosophila melanogaster, or fruit fly that lacks cannabinoid receptors. However, it remains unclear whether cannabinoids affect food consumption and metabolism in a cannabinoid receptors-independent manner in flies. In this study, we systematically investigated pharmacological functions of various cannabinoids in modulating food preference and consumption in flies. We show that flies display preferences for consuming cannabinoids, independent of their sensory functions. Interestingly, phyto- and endo- cannabinoids exhibit an inhibitory effect on food intake. Unexpectedly, the non-selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 attenuates the suppression of food intake by endocannabinoids. Moreover, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and its metabolite inhibit food intake and promote resistance to starvation, possibly through reduced lipid metabolism. Thus, this study has provided insights into a pharmacological role of cannabinoids in feeding behaviors using an adult Drosophila model.

scholarly journals SAPs as a new model to probe the pathway of centriole and centrosome assembly

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Wainman
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Recent Work ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Null Mutant ◽  
Full Understanding ◽  
New Model ◽  
Total Absence ◽  
Bona Fide ◽  
Cellular Organelles

Centrioles are important cellular organelles involved in the formation of both cilia and centrosomes. It is therefore not surprising that their dysfunction may lead to a variety of human pathologies. Studies have identified a conserved pathway of proteins required for centriole formation, and investigations using the embryo of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have been crucial in elucidating their dynamics. However, a full understanding of how these components interact has been hampered by the total absence of centrioles in null mutant backgrounds for any of these core centriole factors. Here, I review our recent work describing a new model for investigating these interactions in the absence of bona fide centrioles. Sas-6 Ana2 Particles (SAPs) form when two core centriole factors, Sas-6 and Ana2, are co-over-expressed in fruit fly eggs. Crucially, they form even in eggs lacking other core centriole proteins. I review our characterisation of SAPs, and provide one example of how they have been used to investigate the role of a core centriole protein in PCM formation. I then consider some of the strengths and weaknesses of the SAP model, and discuss them in the context of other models for centriole study in Drosophila. Similar aggregates have been seen in other systems upon expression of centriole factors, so SAPs may also be a useful approach to study centriole proteins in other organisms.

scholarly journals Cannabinoids modulate food preference and consumption in Drosophila melanogaster

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianzheng He ◽  
Alice Mei Xien Tan ◽  
Si Yun Ng ◽  
Menglong Rui ◽  
Fengwei Yu
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Feeding Behaviors ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Inhibit Food Intake

AbstractCannabinoids have an important role in regulating feeding behaviors via cannabinoid receptors in mammals. Cannabinoids also exhibit potential therapeutic functions in Drosophila melanogaster, or fruit fly that lacks cannabinoid receptors. However, it remains unclear whether cannabinoids affect food consumption and metabolism in a cannabinoid receptors-independent manner in flies. In this study, we systematically investigated pharmacological functions of various cannabinoids in modulating food preference and consumption in flies. We show that flies display preferences for consuming cannabinoids, independent of two important sensory regulators Poxn and Orco. Interestingly, phyto- and endo- cannabinoids exhibit an inhibitory effect on food intake. Unexpectedly, the non-selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 attenuates the suppression of food intake by endocannabinoids. Moreover, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and its metabolite inhibit food intake and promote resistance to starvation, possibly through reduced lipid metabolism. Thus, this study has provided insights into a pharmacological role of cannabinoids in feeding behaviors using an adult Drosophila model.

scholarly journals Cannabinoids modulate food preference and consumption in Drosophila melanogaster

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianzheng He ◽  
Alice Mei Xien Tan ◽  
Si Yun Ng ◽  
Fengwei Yu
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Feeding Behaviors ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Inhibit Food Intake

AbstractCannabinoids have an important role in regulating feeding behaviors via cannabinoid receptors in mammals. Cannabinoids also exhibit potential therapeutic functions in Drosophila melanogaster, or fruit fly that lacks cannabinoid receptors. However, it remains unclear whether cannabinoids affect food consumption and metabolism in a cannabinoid receptors-independent manner in flies. In this study, we systematically investigated pharmacological functions of various cannabinoids in modulating food preference and consumption in flies. We show that flies display preferences for consuming cannabinoids, independent of their sensory functions. Interestingly, phyto- and endo- cannabinoids exhibit an inhibitory effect on food intake. Unexpectedly, the non-selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 attenuates the suppression of food intake by endocannabinoids. Moreover, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and its metabolite inhibit food intake and promote resistance to starvation, possibly through reduced lipid metabolism. Thus, this study has provided insights into a pharmacological role of cannabinoids in feeding behaviors using an adult Drosophila model.

scholarly journals Drosophila melanogaster Sperm under Simulated Microgravity and a Hypomagnetic Field: Motility and Cell Respiration

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 5985
Author(s):  
Irina V. Ogneva ◽  
Maria A. Usik ◽  
Maria V. Burtseva ◽  
Nikolay S. Biryukov ◽  
Yuliya S. Zhdankina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Complex I ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Cellular Respiration ◽  
Cell Respiration ◽  
Hypomagnetic Field ◽  
Essential Phospholipids

The role of the Earth’s gravitational and magnetic fields in the evolution and maintenance of normal processes of various animal species remains unclear. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of simulated microgravity and hypomagnetic conditions for 1, 3, and 6 h on the sperm motility of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In addition to the usual diet, the groups were administered oral essential phospholipids at a dosage of 500 mg/kg in medium. The speed of the sperm tails was determined by video recording and analysis of the obtained video files, protein content by western blotting, and cell respiration by polarography. The results indicated an increase in the speed of movement of the sperm tails after 6 h in simulated microgravity. The levels of proteins that form the axoneme of the sperm tail did not change, but cellular respiration was altered. A similar effect occurred with the administration of essential phospholipids. These results may be due to a change in the level of phosphorylation of motor proteins. Exposure to hypomagnetic conditions led to a decrease in motility after 6 h against a background of a decrease in the rate of cellular respiration due to complex I of the respiratory chain. This effect was not observed in the flies that received essential phospholipids. However, after 1 h under hypomagnetic conditions, the rate of cellular respiration also increased due to complex I, including that in the sperm of flies receiving essential phospholipids.

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