Genetics on the Fly: A Primer on the Drosophila Model System

Abstract

Fruit flies of the genus Drosophila have been an attractive and effective genetic model organism since Thomas Hunt Morgan and colleagues made seminal discoveries with them a century ago. Work with Drosophila has enabled dramatic advances in cell and developmental biology, neurobiology and behavior, molecular biology, evolutionary and population genetics, and other fields. With more tissue types and observable behaviors than in other short-generation model organisms, and with vast genome data available for many species within the genus, the fly's tractable complexity will continue to enable exciting opportunities to explore mechanisms of complex developmental programs, behaviors, and broader evolutionary questions. This primer describes the organism's natural history, the features of sequenced genomes within the genus, the wide range of available genetic tools and online resources, the types of biological questions Drosophila can help address, and historical milestones.

More than Meets the Eye: A Primer for “Timing of Locomotor Recovery from Anoxia Modulated by the white Gene in Drosophila melanogaster”

“…The authors further explore this phenomenon by manipulating gene dosage in flies by varying the number of copies they carry of the mini-white (mw + ) construct, a commonly used marker for making transgenic flies, and which eliminates much of the upstream, downstream, and intronic noncoding DNA associated with the normal white gene [for more detailed information on how transgenic flies are generated and identified, as well as other Drosophila molecular techniques, such as RNAi and the GAL4/UAS system, consult the GENETICS Drosophila organismal primer (Hales et al 2015)]. Because the mini-white DNA is missing the proper regulatory elements, its expression is influenced by the regulatory sequences in the area of the genome in which the transgene inserts (Hazelrigg et al 1984), a phenomenon known as "position effect" (that is, the physical position of the gene in its chromosomal location affects its expression, and therefore function).…”

Defense Mechanisms against Viral Infection in <em>Drosophila</em>: RNAi versus Non-RNAi

“…Because of the wide range of genetic tools and online resources, the Drosophila model system has enabled dramatic advances in many areas of biological research [205], including the immune response against virus infections. Because research with Drosophila has acquired much more depth than with other insects, it can function as a benchmark to inspire similar research in other insects.…”

The Fruit Fly, Drosophila melanogaster: The Making of a Model (Part I)

“…Reverse Genetics instead is a targeted mutagenesis applied to a gene of a known visible phenotype and is normally used to understand the gene's biological function. The goal is to find new mutations that enhance the preexisting mutant phenotype or that suppress it [55,56], but these genetic screens are often laborious and time consuming. The best strategy is to start with a strong phenotype.…”