Drosophila melanogaster Models of Friedreich’s Ataxia

Figure 4

Schematic design of a genetic (a) or chemical (b) screen to identify genetic modifiers or potential therapeutic compounds in FRDA using Drosophila as a model organism. The effect of a genetic modifier or drug is evaluated by monitoring the lifespan and climbing ability of FRDA flies. (c) A UAS-GFP construct is included in this strategy as an internal control to determine whether the drug can interfere with the GAL4/UAS system and the potential dilution of the GAL4 protein due to the presence of two UAS construct. In parallel, the effect of the modifier or drug treatment is analyzed in control flies to identify frataxin interactors. GFP: green fluorescent protein. Vehicle: DMSO/H₂O depending on the drug solubility.

(a)

(b)

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