'Fly-ing' from rare to common neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Issue 9 (September 2022) - Ma, Mengqi
Abstract : Advances in genome sequencing have enabled researchers and clinicians to probe vast numbers of human variants to distinguish pathogenic from benign variants. Model organisms have been crucial in variant assessment and in delineating the molecular mechanisms of some of the diseases caused by these variants. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has played a valuable role in this endeavor, taking advantage of its genetic technologies and established biological knowledge. We highlight the utility of the fly in studying the function of genes associated with rare neurological diseases that have led to a better understanding of common disease mechanisms. We emphasize that shared themes emerge among disease mechanisms, including the importance of lipids, in two prominent neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Highlights: The study of rare neurological disease using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has shed valuable insight into common neurodegenerative diseases including AD and PD. Mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid dysregulation are shared features of many rare neurological disorders and common neurodegenerative diseases. Studies aimed at delineating mechanisms in flies have shed light on disease pathogenesis and have identified novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurological disease.