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The CApillary FEeder Assay Measures Food Intake in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: March 17, 2017
A nutrient sensor mechanism controls Drosophila growth
Julien Colombani1, Sophie Raisin, Sophie Pantalacci
1Institute for Signaling, Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, UMR6543 CNRS-Parc Valrose, 06108, Cedex 2, Nice, France.
Cell
|September 25, 2003
Summary
The Drosophila fat body acts as a nutrient sensor, coordinating organismal growth. Downregulating the slimfast amino acid transporter in this organ triggers systemic growth defects via humoral signaling.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Nutrient Sensing
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Organismal growth requires coordination of cellular responses to nutrient availability.
- The insect fat body shares functional similarities with the vertebrate liver, including endocrine and storage roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the Drosophila fat body in coordinating organismal growth in response to nutrient levels.
- To identify genes and signaling pathways involved in this coordination.
Main Methods:
- Genetic screen for growth modifiers in Drosophila.
- Analysis of gene function (slimfast) using RNA interference (RNAi) specifically in the fat body.
- Investigation of downstream signaling pathways including TSC/TOR and PI3-kinase.
Main Results:
- Identification of slimfast, an amino acid transporter, as a key growth modifier.
- Downregulation of slimfast in the fat body phenocopies organismal growth defects seen under nutrient deprivation.
- Evidence for TSC/TOR signaling in the fat body and remote inhibition of PI3-kinase signaling in peripheral tissues.
Conclusions:
- The Drosophila fat body functions as a central nutrient sensor.
- Organismal growth is regulated by a humoral mechanism originating from the fat body.
- The fat body coordinates growth by sensing nutrients and modulating systemic signaling pathways.
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