Sensory Perception Research Using Drosophila
CD BioSciences has extensive experience in the study of brain mechanisms for perceiving odor, touch, light, and gravity, etc. in Drosophila, and the combination of optogenetic and neurological platforms can help reveal brain perception functions and related neurodevelopmental mechanisms.
The perception function of the brain is studied as the basic function of acquiring and processing information. However, because of the complexity of human brain, research is quite difficult. Similar to humans, Drosophila has multiple senses such as vision, taste, hearing, smell and proprioception. The gross anatomy of the Drosophila and human brain is very different, but they share many conserved genetic, cellular, electrophysiological and chemical properties. Studies have identified approximately 1,400 genes required for the development of Drosophila nervous system, of which approximately 1,000 are conserved in humans. Given these characteristics and fruitful achievement in sensory research, Drosophila can rapidly advance the understanding of mammalian perceptual function and related disease mechanisms.
Application of Drosophila in Pain Research
Pain perception is a conserved and important protective mechanism in postnatal animals. Drosophila has numerous conserved nociceptive signaling pathways and related molecular targets, such as TRPA1, temperature-sensitive voltage-gated ion channels, which is similar to mammals and has become a drug target for pathological pain treatment. Therefore, Drosophila pain models can be used to study nociceptive transmission mechanisms and identify targets for chronic pain treatment. In addition, Drosophila can be used for analgesic addiction studies and precision medicine in pain management.
Application of Drosophila in Auditory Research
Drosophila auditory cells are similar to the hair cells of the vertebrate cochlea and are an important model for studying auditory conduction. In addition, as research progresses, it has been found that Drosophila auditory cells can be regenerated by drug-induced regeneration, which is expected to promote the understanding of auditory cell development and break the dilemma that deafness is difficult to be cured.
Application of Drosophila in Olfactory Research
Drosophila has a sensitive sense of smell with a high degree of similarity to the human olfactory bulb and brain reception areas. In addition, there exists diversity in the olfactory nervous system in both Drosophila and humans that could be used to explore molecular mechanisms of neural development and origin. Furthermore, although olfaction is not the dominant cognitive sense in humans, an association of olfactory system breakdown with neurodegenerative diseases has been identified. With the help of Drosophila olfactory system research, the pathological research of olfactory degeneration can be advanced.
Application of Drosophila in Vision Research
Vision is the most important perceptual ability for humans to acquire information. Drosophila, in turn, has been shown to possess an amazing capacity for individual recognition and visual learning. 115 different vision neurons have been identified in Drosophila, which is very similar to the number estimated in vertebrates. Many studies have explored photoreceptor and visual system recognition mechanisms through Drosophila visual model.
Related Services
CD BioSciences recommend that neuroscience researchers use Drosophila as a research model. We will assist customers in exploring and validating the neurons, receptors and proteins associated with perception. Our services go beyond this and our techniques go beyond this!
Drosophila Neural Circuits Analysis
Drosophila Model Customization
Drosophila Optogenetic Service
Drosophila Behavior Phenotypes Assay
CD BioSciences is committed to advancing bioscience technology and basic research using Drosophila. With proven technologies and years of experience in the field of fruit fly, our PhD team conducts one-to-one technical consultancy and mechanistic studies to accelerate our clients' projects. Please feel free to contact us starting your private project customization.
References
- Albert JT, et al. (2015). Hearing in Drosophila. Current opinion in neurobiology, 34, 79-85.
- Barish S, et al. (2015). Mechanisms of olfactory receptor neuron specification in Drosophila. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Developmental Biology, 4(6), 609-621.
- Calvo M, et al. (2019). The Genetics of Neuropathic Pain from Model Organisms to Clinical Application. Neuron, 104(4), 637-653.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.
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