Host-pathogen interactions in model systems. Recent review.

This recent review discusses what's known and open questions regarding host-pathogen interactions as studied in model systems, specifically with biofilms in mind.

Edwards S, Kjellerup BV. Exploring the applications of invertebrate host-pathogen models for in vivo biofilm infections. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2012 Jul;65(2):205-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2012.00975.x. Review. PubMed PMID: 22533965.

Among other things, the review includes a discussion of a fly-based approach to sub-categorizing bacteria isolated from infections in cystic fibrosis patients.

Sibley CD, Duan K, Fischer C, Parkins MD, Storey DG, Rabin HR, Surette MG. Discerning the complexity of community interactions using a Drosophila model of polymicrobial infections. PLoS Pathog. 2008 Oct;4(10):e1000184. Epub 2008 Oct 24. PubMed PMID: 18949036; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2566602.

Fly models of neurodevelopmental diseases. Recent review.

This review includes a table of fly models for Angelman Syndrome, Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, and Periventricular Nodular Heterotropia.

Okray Z, Hassan BA. Genetic approaches in Drosophila for the Study Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neuropharmacology. 2012 Oct 12. pii:S0028-3908(12)00479-0. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.09.007. PubMed PMID: 23067575.

New fly model of genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus. Recent report.

In this study, researchers introduce a human disease-associated mutation into the fly ortholog of SCN1A, para.

Sun L, Gilligan J, Staber C, Schutte RJ, Nguyen V, O'Dowd DK, Reenan R. A knock-in model of human epilepsy in Drosophila reveals a novel cellular mechanism associated with heat-induced seizure. J Neurosci. 2012 Oct 10;32(41):14145-55. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2932-12.2012. PubMed PMID: 23055484.

Paraquat, Polyphenols & Parkinsonism. Recent Report.

Bonilla-Ramirez L, Jimenez-Del-Rio M, Velez-Pardo C. Low doses of paraquat and polyphenols prolong life span and locomotor activity in knock-down parkin Drosophila melanogaster exposed to oxidative stress stimuli: Implication in autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinsonism. Gene. 2012 Oct 6. pii: S0378-1119(12)01229-2. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.09.120. PubMed PMID: 23046578.

Inflammatory bowel disease and the fly. Recent review.

This review introduces the fly gut system, summarizes major pathways invoked in gut-microbe responses and talks about gut homeostasis. The results and approaches discussed might impact our understanding of human diseases of the digestive system, including inflammatory bowel disease.

Charroux B, Royet J. Gut-microbiota interactions in non-mammals: what can we learn from Drosophila? Semin Immunol. 2012 Feb;24(1):17-24. Epub 2012 Jan 28. Review. PubMed PMID: 22284578.

Fly model of SMA. SMN in Neural Network Activity. Recent Report.

Imlach WL, Beck ES, Choi BJ, Lotti F, Pellizzoni L, McCabe BD. SMN Is Required for Sensory-Motor Circuit Function in Drosophila. Cell. 2012 Oct 12;151(2):427-39. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.09.011. PubMed PMID: 23063130.

Fly model of mitochondrial dysfunction. Relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. Recent report.

Humphrey DM, Parsons RB, Ludlow ZN, Riemensperger T, Esposito G, Verstreken P, Jacobs HT, Birman S, Hirth F. Alternative oxidase rescues mitochondria-mediated dopaminergic cell loss in Drosophila. Hum Mol Genet. 2012 Jun 15;21(12):2698-712. PubMed PMID: 22398207.