Drosophila melanogaster as a Model System for the Study of Human Neuropathy and the Testing of Neuroprotectors

Abstract

Currently, the molecular characteristics of the occurrence and course of neurodegenerative diseases, which are among the most serious and still incurable illnesses, remain to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the search for novel medicines for the removal, relief, or postponement of symptoms in these pathologies remains relevant. In view of the complexity of undertaking this research in human, the identification of genes associated with developing neurodegenerative changes and the study of their functions in different (neuronal and glial) tissues and at different stages of ontogenesis are carried out in model systems. Drosophila melanogaster is one of the best and available objects for the identification of molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the development of neurodegeneration as well as for the initial tests of novel compounds with neuroprotective properties. This article discusses the methods of genetic analysis in Drosophila, the use of D. melanogaster as a model of human neurodegenerative disorders, and a possibility of using its model as test systems for the study of potential neuroprotectors.