Natural Genetic Variation Screen in Drosophila Identifies Wnt Signaling, Mitochondrial Metabolism, and Redox Homeostasis Genes as Modifiers of Apoptosis

In this study, we examine the impact of the natural genetic variation in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) on two models of apoptosis-induced retinal degeneration: overexpression of p53 or reaper (rpr). We identify a number of known apoptotic, neural, and developmental genes as candidate modifiers of degeneration. We also use Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to identify pathways that harbor genetic variation that impact these apoptosis models, including Wnt signaling, mitochondrial metabolism, and redox homeostasis. Finally, we demonstrate that many of these candidates have a functional effect on apoptosis and degeneration. These studies provide a number of avenues for modifying genes and pathways of apoptosis-related disease.

Source: G3: Genes Genomes Genetics - December 2, 2019 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Palu, R. A. S., Ong, E., Stevens, K., Chung, S., Owings, K. G., Goodman, A. G., Chow, C. Y. Tags: Investigations Source Type: research