Title
Observing Developmental Delay of Drosophila melanogaster larvae to P. fluorescens Inoculation.
Date
5-30-2013 2:00 PM
Location
Werner University Center (WUC), Pacific Room
Department
Biology
Session Chair
Ava Howard
Session Chair
Jeffrey Snyder
Session Title
Research in the Biological Sciences
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Kristin Latham
Presentation Type
Poster session
Abstract
Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), have been one of the most thoroughly studied organisms since Thomas Hunt Morgan began his work on their genetics in the early 1900s. Since then, homologies in the innate immune systems of Drosophila have made the study of Drosophila applicable to humans. To study the innate immune system, fruit flies were grown in media inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens, a gram-negative bacterium ubiquitous in soil. Depending on the bacterial concentration used, Drosophila exhibit slower larval growth, morphological abnormalities and death. By monitoring the effects P. fluorescens has on Drosophila, insight into the functioning of the human innate immune system may be possible. The goal of this study is to identify the bacterial metabolites responsible for the immune response, eventually leading to the identification of the molecular pathways involved in the innate response.
Recommended Citation
Roush, Trevor, "Observing Developmental Delay of Drosophila melanogaster larvae to P. fluorescens Inoculation." (2013). Academic Excellence Showcase Schedule. 11.
http://digitalcommons.wou.edu/aes_event/2013/biol/11
Observing Developmental Delay of Drosophila melanogaster larvae to P. fluorescens Inoculation.
Werner University Center (WUC), Pacific Room
Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), have been one of the most thoroughly studied organisms since Thomas Hunt Morgan began his work on their genetics in the early 1900s. Since then, homologies in the innate immune systems of Drosophila have made the study of Drosophila applicable to humans. To study the innate immune system, fruit flies were grown in media inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens, a gram-negative bacterium ubiquitous in soil. Depending on the bacterial concentration used, Drosophila exhibit slower larval growth, morphological abnormalities and death. By monitoring the effects P. fluorescens has on Drosophila, insight into the functioning of the human innate immune system may be possible. The goal of this study is to identify the bacterial metabolites responsible for the immune response, eventually leading to the identification of the molecular pathways involved in the innate response.