The Central Clock Neurons Regulate Lipid Storage in Drosophila
2011
Clock Neurons Control Lipid Storage in Drosophila
Sample size: 65
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): DiAngelo Justin R., Erion Renske, Crocker Amanda, Sehgal Amita
Primary Institution: The University of Pennsylvania
Hypothesis
Do central clock cells in the Drosophila brain contribute to lipid levels in the fat body?
Conclusion
The activity of the central clock neurons is necessary for proper lipid storage in Drosophila.
Supporting Evidence
- Altering the function of the Drosophila central clock neurons leads to an increase in fat body triglycerides.
- Triglyceride levels are not affected by age but are increased by expression of the amyloid-beta protein in central clock neurons.
- Changes in triglycerides are not always observed in genetic manipulations that result in altered locomotor rhythms.
Takeaway
The brain's clock neurons help control how much fat flies store, which is important for their energy balance.
Methodology
Flies were genetically manipulated and triglyceride levels were measured in their fat bodies.
Limitations
The study does not fully explore how the central clock neurons communicate with the fat body.
Participant Demographics
4–7 day old female Drosophila melanogaster
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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