Drosophila melanogaster Obesity Model
InquiryOverview
Drosophila melanogaster has many advantages, such as small size, easy rearing, short growth cycle, and high fecundity. It is genetically conserved, providing an ideal model for pathology, pharmacology, and drug-induced aging mechanisms. Protheragen provides high-quality non-mammal obesity models for obesity research based on drug-induced or genetic engineering. Moreover, we provide specialized Mammal Obesity Models to meet the different research needs of clients. No matter what kind of Obesity Model you need, our well-trained and talented team provides personalized modeling services.
D. melanogaster: Right-Assistant in Obesity Research
D. melanogaster Obesity Modeling
Our company not only constructs Drosophila models exogenously by inducing physiological changes such as drugs but also constructs Drosophila models endogenously by gene mutation or specific knockdown.
Diet-induced obesity model: Our researchers induce obesity by feeding fruit flies a high-fat or high-sugar diet. This method is simple and mimics human obesity caused by poor eating habits.
Drug-induced obesity model: Our researchers construct obesity models by passing specific drugs through the food of fruit flies or by direct injection and observing the effects of the drugs on obesity.
Genetic manipulation model: Our researchers use gene editing techniques to knock out or over-express obesity-related genes in Drosophila to model genotype-specific obesity.
Obesity Model Analysis
Basic test: Our lab provides accurate weight measurement, body fat percentage measurement, and metabolic rate assessment services.
Behavioral test: Our lab provides professional behavioral tests such as motor ability testing, ingestive behavior analysis, and sleep impact assessment.
Measurement of physiological and biochemical indicators: Our lab provides in vivo analysis of the activities of enzymes related to lipid metabolism in Drosophila, such as fatty acid synthases and fatty acid oxidases, to assess abnormalities in lipid metabolism in obesity models.
Obesity-related gene analysis: Our researchers use high-throughput sequencing to provide analytical readouts of the expression levels of specific genes in obese Drosophila models to reveal the molecular mechanisms of obesity. Moreover, our company explores how different genes work together to regulate body weight and fat accumulation in Drosophila by studying their interactions.
Workflow
Our company has a professional modeling and analysis team to handle the whole process for clients. According to the client's needs, our company selects healthy Drosophila as experimental objects to be kept and bred. Our company uses high-fat chow feeding, drug induction, and genetic modification to construct stable Drosophila obesity models. With a range of high-quality analyses, we provide accurate model evaluation services. Based on the constructed model, our company provides preclinical in-depth research services. Our lab has a professional data analysis team to help clients process all experimental data.
Applications
- The D. melanogaster obesity model can be used to study the metabolic control of tissue growth and the link between energy metabolism and cancer.
- TheD. melanogaster obesity model can be an excellent tool to isolate the effects of excessive fat storage from other obesity-related factors that may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and shortened lifespan in certain types of obese patients.
- The D. melanogaster obesity model can be used for high-throughput drug screening to rapidly identify potential anti-obesity drug candidate molecules.
- The D. melanogaster obesity model can be used to study metabolic pathways in Drosophila to find metabolic markers related to obesity and provide new targets for obesity treatment.
Advantages of Us
- Our research team combines behavioral studies to explore the effects of environmental factors such as dietary habits on the Drosophila obesity model to improve the ecological validity of the model.
- Using gene editing techniques, we precisely modify Drosophila genes to mimic human obesity-related gene mutations.
- Our experienced anti-obesity research team provides personalized experimental design, modeling, and evaluation services according to clients' different research needs.
Professional Service at Protheragen
Our company has a deep professional background and rich practical experience in the field of anti-obesity research. Beginning with precise target discovery, we utilize advanced science and technology and rigorous research methodologies to ensure that every step of the way is directed toward effective treatments. Subsequently, in the therapeutic development phase, we utilize diverse experimental designs to comprehensively evaluate the potential efficacy and safety of various therapeutic options. When it comes to preclinical evaluation, we are equipped with a team of top-notch professionals who utilize high-standard research processes and facilities to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. Whether you are facing a complex research challenge or pursuing a high-quality solution, we have the professional staff to provide you with support and assistance throughout the entire process.
Learn More about Obesity ServicesPublication Data
Technology: Triglyceride assays, Genetic engineering, High-throughput screening
Journal: Molecular Metabolism
Published: 2021
IF: 7.0
Results: This article uses D. melanogaster, a model organism, to explore the role of genes associated with mammalian appetite in feeding behavior and nutritional status through high-throughput genetic screening. The researchers analyzed 53 Drosophila orthologues of genes associated with human body mass index and found that 15 of them significantly affected feeding behavior or energy homeostasis in Drosophila. By examining 50 Drosophila homologs associated with nutrient regulation in murine pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related peptide neurons, the researchers found that seven of them affected Drosophila feeding behavior. This strategy is ideally suited for high-throughput studies of genes associated with feeding behavior and obesity in mammals and contributes to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of obesity.
Fig.1 Selection of assays for the high-throughput screen. (Chalmers, et al., 2021)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of D. melanogaster as a model organism?
D. melanogaster is an ideal obesity model due to its well-defined genetic background and genetic similarity to humans. They are easy to culture in the laboratory, reproduce rapidly, and produce large numbers of offspring in a short time, making them suitable for genetic and epigenetic studies. In addition, the behavioral traits of Drosophila, such as sensing nutritional needs and regulating foraging behavior, have similarities with humans.
How to quickly and accurately screen for obesity-related genes in Drosophila?
Our company uses RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce the activity of each gene in turn to rapidly screen for relevant genes. Our researchers perform a comprehensive analysis of the effects on triglyceride levels, the major fat storage molecule in Drosophila.
Protheragen is a specialized preclinical anti-obesity research company providing reliable and consistent Drosophila obesity models to clients worldwide. Our goal is to be your first choice in non-mammal obesity modeling. Please feel free to contact us for more information about Drosophila obesity modeling.
Reference
- Chalmers, J.; et al. A multicomponent screen for feeding behaviour and nutritional status in Drosophila to interrogate mammalian appetite-related genes. Molecular Metabolism. 2021, 43: 101127.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.