Methods for studying metabolism in Drosophila

Methods. 2014 Jun 15;68(1):105-15. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.02.034. Epub 2014 Mar 12.

Abstract

Recent research using Drosophila melanogaster has seen a resurgence in studies of metabolism and physiology. This review focuses on major methods used to conduct this work. These include protocols for dietary interventions, measurements of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, trehalose, and glycogen, stains for lipid detection, and the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect major polar metabolites. It is our hope that this will provide a useful framework for both new and current researchers in the field.

Keywords: Drosophila; Metabolism; Metabolomics; Physiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila / metabolism*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Metabolomics*