Application of Drosophila Model Toward Understanding the Molecular Basis of Fragile X Syndrome

Ha Eun Kong; Junghwa Lim; Peng Jin

doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-9080-1_12

Application of Drosophila Model Toward Understanding the Molecular Basis of Fragile X Syndrome

Methods Mol Biol. 2019:1942:141-153. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9080-1_12.

Authors

Ha Eun Kong¹, Junghwa Lim¹, Peng Jin²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
² Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. peng.jin@emory.edu.

PMID: 30900182
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9080-1_12

Abstract

Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal model to study Fragile X syndrome (FXS) as it presents us with a toolbox to identify genetic modifiers and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of FXS. Here we describe some of the methods that have been used to study FXS, ranging from reverse genetic screening using the GAL4-UAS system, to mushroom body staining and courtship behavioral assays to examine the learning and memory deficits associated with FXS.

Keywords: Courtship behavioral assay; Drosophila genetic screen; Fragile X syndrome; Mushroom body staining.

MeSH terms

Animals
Behavior, Animal
Courtship
Disease Models, Animal*
Drosophila Proteins / genetics
Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
Eye / physiopathology
Female
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / metabolism*
Fragile X Syndrome / physiopathology*
Learning Disabilities / physiopathology*
Male
Memory Disorders / physiopathology*
Mushroom Bodies / physiopathology

Substances

Drosophila Proteins
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein