Chapter 5 – Drosophila

摘要: The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been the focus of genetics research for over a century. One consequence this long history as genetic model is remarkably robust and diverse set tools, including loss function mutations in most genes, powerful transgenesis system, whole-genome RNA interference libraries, expression systems with temporal spatial specificity. Since approximately 75% known human disease genes are conserved Drosophila, these reagents available increasingly being applied to research. Relative mammalian brain, fly brain greatly simplified, yet retains significant complexity, neurotransmitter systems. These features, coupled simple, quantitative mobility assays, make valuable movement disorders Applications include investigation pathogenic mechanisms using either transgenes or homologs, modifier screens detect functionally related therapeutic drug screens.