Drosophila
Modelling human disease in Drosophila melanogaster for the screening of novel therapeutics.
Our Services
Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly, have led to the discovery of numerous biological processes and pathways. With approximately 75% conservation with human disease-causing genes, they can be used as a powerful tool to model disease. Our new Drosophila service lies between in vitro and preclinical, allowing clients to screen test agents in flies at a low cost.
Our Approach
Working with the client, we first determine which Drosophila lines are a suitable model for the client’s needs. Experiments can then be designed on a per client basis, from small to large scale screens, to narrow down potential candidates in a timely manner. Close contact is maintained with the client throughout, and data is shared in real-time, allowing for a flexible experimental approach.
Model identification and validation
- Identification of appropriate existing models
- Experimental design
- Optimisation and validation of models
Small-scale screening
- Few compounds can be screened in vials
- Ideal for testing a few promising candidates
High-throughput plate-based screening
- 96-well plate format
- Ideal for screening many compounds and narrowing down potential candidates
Screen analysis
Including:
- High content imaging
- Live-dead screens
- Developmental delay/hatching assays
- LC-MS/MS for exposure quantification
- Tumour size
Did you know?
Drosophila have been fundamental to many discoveries we as scientists take for granted. Thomas Hunt Morgan began using Drosophila to study heredity in 1910; since then, 6 Nobel prizes have been awarded to 9 Drosophilists. Discoveries include the finding that X-rays can produce mutations, patterning and early embryonic development, and mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms.
Drosophila – A versatile model for drug discovery
Over 100 years of research using Drosophila has led to a vast genetic toolkit. From over-expression, knockdowns, knockouts, and clonal analysis, Drosophila can be used to study a wide variety of human diseases. To find out whether your disease of interest can be modelled in fruit flies, check out the Human Disease section on flybase.org or send us a query.