ABSTRACT
Neurodegeneration, a pathological state accompanied by brain neuronal necrosis and changes in behavior, has been described for many animal species. However, the genetic control and molecular mechanisms of this process are yet vague. A large collection of neurodegenerative mutants of a model object, Drosophila melanogaster, can enhance understanding of these mechanisms. In this work, we have demonstrated that genetically determined anatomical changes in Drosophila brain are accompanied by a decreased lifespan and deviations from the wild-type sexual behavior and locomotor activity. It has been found that the genes vacuous and loechrig are candidates for molecular genetic analysis in eight mutants from the collection.
Subject(s)
Chromosomes/genetics , Ethyl Methanesulfonate/pharmacology , Genes, Insect , Mutagens/pharmacology , Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics , Animals , Brain/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Drosophila melanogaster , Neurodegenerative Diseases/chemically induced , Neurodegenerative Diseases/pathologyABSTRACT
Neurodegenerative human diseases are caused by nerve cell death and anatomical changes in some brain regions. Molecular genetic studies of Drosophila showed that this organism can serve as a valuable test-system for conserved mechanisms underlying human nervous system disorders. Analysis of brain functions is possible when the mutants with disturbed functions are available. In this study, we have developed a unique collection of Drosophila melanogaster mutants with morphological and neurodegenerative changes in brain structure, which were induced by chemical mutagens.
Subject(s)
Brain/pathology , Drosophila melanogaster/genetics , Genes, Insect/drug effects , Mutagens/toxicity , Mutation , Animals , Brain/drug effects , Disease Models, Animal , Drosophila melanogaster/drug effects , Ethyl Methanesulfonate/toxicity , Ethylnitrosourea/toxicity , Female , Male , Nerve DegenerationABSTRACT
In a series of Drosophila mutants with changes in the brain structure, some characters (reduced life span, behavioral changes, and neuronal loss in various brain regions) resemble symptoms observed in human patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, similar specific phenotypes shared by different species suggest that common mechanisms underlie degeneration of their nerve cell. This study reports the results of a genetic analysis of new X-chromosome mutants with neurodegenerative changes in brain structure, which were induced by chemical mutagenesis. According to complementation test, all mutants were divided into three complementation groups, in which the life span and dynamics of neurodegenerative changes were studied. The life span of Drosophila melanogaster flies was found to depend on the state of their nervous system.
