After effectively using fruit flies, scientifically known as Drosophila melanogaster, for various genetic related endeavours, a group of scientists at the North Carolina State University has recently used this species to investigate the genes which contributes to alcohol sensitivity. Fruit flies are able to be used as a model for finding the genes involved in human alcohol sensitivity because flies are also susceptible to becoming drunk. Similar to humans, “drunken” flies have problems with their movements and show signs of sleepiness.
To identify the genes related to alcohol sensitivity, over 25 generations of fruit flies were bred. There were two distinct groups within this population: flies that were highly sensitive to alcohol and those that were highly tolerant of alcohol. The entire genomes of the flies (in the two groups after 25 generations) were then expressed and analyzed for comparison with the genomes of the flies in the very first generation/original population. The expressed genomes of the two groups of flies (highly sensitive and highly tolerant) were also compared with one another. These comparisons allowed the researchers to identify the differentially expressed genes between the two groups. These genes are the ones that scientists suggest are linked to alcohol sensitivity.
This experiment identified over 1000 genes that were expressed differently. By knowing these genes, scientists can compare with or look for similar genes in the human genome. This knowledge can be used to possibly help alcoholics or prevent those with high alcohol sensitivity from becoming alcoholics.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030184518.htm
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