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Published on: November 21, 2018
A Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Model in Drosophila melanogaster
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. marthab1@email.arizona.edu.
Abstract:
Peripheral neuropathies are one of the largest categories of neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate their mechanisms, many in vitro and in vivo models can be employed. Here we present a protocol for the induction of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in the Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) model system. Using a clinically relevant degeneration initiator, paclitaxel (taxol), it is possible to model many aspects of axon and dendrite degeneration while in a genetically tractable, in vivo system. In this protocol, we feed larval stage Drosophila neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs during the duration of larval development, followed by dissection and imaging of genetically labeled sensory axons and dendrites. Both axons and dendrites degenerate with taxol exposure. Our protocol should facilitate the adoption and expansion of this model to include other neurotoxic compounds.
Insights
This study introduces a fruit fly model for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Researchers used paclitaxel to induce nerve damage in Drosophila, providing a new tool for studying neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathies are a significant group of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Investigating neuropathy mechanisms requires robust in vitro and in vivo models.
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) presents a major clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a protocol for inducing CIPN in the Drosophila melanogaster model.
- To utilize a genetically tractable in vivo system for studying neurodegeneration.
- To establish a model for evaluating neurotoxic chemotherapy agents.
Main Methods:
- Feeding larval Drosophila paclitaxel (taxol), a chemotherapy drug.
- Observing degeneration in genetically labeled sensory axons and dendrites.
- Utilizing the fruit fly as an in vivo model system.
Main Results:
- Paclitaxel successfully induced peripheral neuropathy in Drosophila.
- Both axons and dendrites exhibited degeneration upon taxol exposure.
- The fruit fly model demonstrated key aspects of CIPN.
Conclusions:
- The developed Drosophila protocol effectively models CIPN.
- This model system is valuable for studying chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
- The protocol can be adapted to test other neurotoxic compounds.
