Genomics Analysis of L-DOPA Exposure in Drosophila sechellia

In this study, we aim to identify new genes important for host specialization by profiling gene expression response to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). Recent work found it to be highly abundant in M. citrifolia, critical for reproductive success of D. sechellia, and supplementation of diet with the downstream pathway product dopamine can influence toxin resistance phenotypes in related species. Here we used a combination of functional genetics and genomics techniques to identify new genes that are important for D. sechellia ecological adaptation to this new niche. We show that L-DOPA exposure can affect toxin resistance phenotypes, identify genes with plastic responses to L-DOPA exposure, and functionally test an identified candidate gene. We found that knock-down of Esterase 6 (Est6) in a heterologous species alters toxin resistance suggesting Est6 may play an important role in D. sechellia host specialization.

Source: G3: Genes Genomes Genetics - December 2, 2019 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Lanno, S. M., Lam, I., Drum, Z., Linde, S. C., Gregory, S. M., Shimshak, S. J., Becker, M. V., Brew, K. E., Budhiraja, A., Carter, E. A., Chigweshe, L., Collins, K. P., Earley, T., Einstein, H. L., Fan, A. A., Goss, S. S., Hagen, E. R., Hutcheon, S. B., K Tags: Investigations Source Type: research