Flies, molecular genetics and physiology: what can Drosophila tell us about renal function and biodiversity?

Speaker: Professor Julian A.T. Dow, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow

Host: Kenneth Halberg

Abstract
The key advantage of multicellularity is the ability to specialize specific groups of cells to perform specific functions; for example to regulate the internal milieu by maintaining steady levels of ions, water, nutrients and waste in the body. Numerically, most living species are insects; and (as in humans) these homeostatic tasks are undertaken by the renal system. Although the human kidney is structurally complex and opaque, insect renal tubules are transparent and readily accessible. Furthermore, insect tubules are capable of moving their own volume of water every six seconds, making them the fastest secreting epithelia in biology. They are thus ideal systems to understand how epithelia function.

Our lab combines molecular genetics and functional genomics with classical biochemistry and physiology, to understand renal function in the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster. Our new understanding of the fundamental biology of epithelial function in Drosophila has led to new avenues of research: modelling human renal diseases in Drosophila, and developing new, more selective tools for ‘greener’ insect control.