39th Annual Student Research Conference
The Effects of Fem-1 Mutations on the Lifespan of the Fruit Fly Drosophila
Kaitlyn E. Donovan* and Tia Niduaza
Dr. Brett A. Berke, Faculty Mentor
The Fem-1 gene/protein are involved in sex determination in many species, including flies. Mutations affecting the Fem-1 gene have larger effects on males than females during adult courtship. Since females tend to live longer than males (like humans), we are testing whether Fem-1 mutations will differentially affect female vs male lifespan. The Fem-1 protein assists protein degradation and modulation, but its molecular targets are not well known. We are using two Fem-1 mutations caused by DNA insertions. Data from one Fem-1 mutation indicates sex-specific effects on lifespan, with data still being collected for the other mutant. We use negative geotaxis to assess fly health, which measures the ability to climb against gravity. If our results remain consistent, Fem-1 may be the first sex determination gene with differential effects on lifespan, setting the stage for future experiments to address sex dependent changes in expression.
Keywords: Drosophila, Fem-1, sex determination, lifespan, negative geotaxis, healthspan
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA