Modelling Neural Disorders with the D. melanogaster Larval Peripheral and Adult Dopaminergic Systems

The increasing prevalence of neurological disorders highlights the need for disease animal models to elucidate the underlying biomolecular and cellular mechanisms of disease and to facilitate studies aimed at developing effective treatments. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, at both larval and adult stages, can serve as an effective model for different human-relevant neurological diseases. Larvae are particularly suited for studying peripheral nervous system disorders, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, while adults enable investigations of higher-order cognitive functions and age-related conditions, including Parkinson's disease and depression-like behaviours. Combining larval and adult models offers a complementary framework to dissect the biomolecular pathways of neurological disorders and accelerate preclinical research.