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A simple high throughput assay to evaluate water consumption in the fruit fly
Man-Tat Lau1,2, Yong Qi Lin1,2, Stefan Kisling2
1The Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Scientific Reports
|December 3, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a simple, high-throughput assay to measure water intake in fruit flies (Drosophila). This new system helps uncover the genetic and neural mechanisms controlling water consumption and homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Physiology
Background:
- Water intake is a critical physiological process essential for survival.
- Understanding the regulation of water consumption is vital for comprehending homeostasis.
- Existing methods for measuring water intake in model organisms can be complex or invasive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, high-throughput assay for monitoring water intake in Drosophila.
- To characterize homeostatic water consumption patterns under various conditions.
- To identify genetic factors and neural circuits involved in regulating water intake.
Main Methods:
- A novel assay involving controlled dehydration of fly food and separate water presentation.
- Gravimetric analysis of water consumption with an evaporation control.
- Utilizing Drosophila genetics and RNA sequencing to identify regulatory genes and pathways.
Main Results:
- The assay demonstrated high reproducibility and throughput, requiring no artificial dehydration.
- Water consumption varied with ambient temperature and humidity, and was equal between sexes (mass-corrected).
- Confirmed roles for ppk28 and DopR1 in promoting water consumption; DopR1 in the mushroom body drove consumption and enhanced taste sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The developed assay is a valuable tool for studying water homeostasis in Drosophila.
- DopR1 signaling in the mushroom body is crucial for regulating water intake and taste perception.
- This system facilitates the dissection of molecular and cellular mechanisms governing water balance.
