Abstract 282: A Drosophila Model of Cardiac Lipotoxicity

Abstract

Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease in humans and a number of model organisms, including the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster . We use a fly model of high-sugar-diet-induced metabolic disease that includes hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and reduced longevity. High-sugar-fed flies accumulate lipids in a variety of organs, including the heart. We are using tissue-specific metabolomics and loss-of-function genetics to probe the roles of individual organs and lipids in cardiovascular disease. Our goal is to focus on conserved pathways to better understand how overnutrition with high-calorie diets leads to adverse outcomes in patients with complications of type 2 diabetes.