α-Synuclein Transgenic Drosophila As a Model of Parkinson's Disease and Related Synucleinopathies

Table 1

Advantages of using Drosophila for modeling human neurodegenerative diseases.

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(1) Analysis of gene functions in vivo

At least ~75% of human disease genes have Drosophila homologues.

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(2)Rapid generation cycle with a short life span

10–14 days from embryo to adults.

Average life span is ~50–60 days.

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(3) Suitable for genetic analyses

Stock centers maintain a variety of mutant fly libraries as public resources.

Various genetic screening methods have been established.

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(4) Abundant genetic information

Whole genome sequence is available.

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(5) Little labor and cost-effective to maintain fly stocks

Transgenic flies can be established at low cost.

Mutant flies are available from public stock centers at low cost.

Only small space is required for their maintenance.

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