Identification of genes involved in fat cell differentiation and proliferation in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is increasing throughout the world and obesity can increase the risk of developing other disease. Body weight and composition is determined by interactions of many environmental, behavioral and genetic factors which ultimately affect energy balance. When energy balance is disrupted, obesity arises. To reveal molecular genetic factors that influence obesity, we did gain-of-function screening on Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Genexel’s EP flies were crossed to heatshock-gal4 flies in the primary screening and tet on-gal4 flies in the secondary screening. Through these two screening, we got 188 candidates having mutant phenotypes. And which genes they affect was analyzed. The result was somewhat promising. Several genes which were known to be involved in adipogenesis or fat cell differentiation were found and some putative genes which might have roles in adipogenesis or fat cell differentiation were discovered. If we work with those candidates further, we might disclose unknown facts related with obesity.