A fly's tiny brain may hold huge human benefits

MU scientist finds mechanism in memory development that may help Parkinson's patients

The drosophila is a type of fruit fly, a well-established genetic model. Click here for more information.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Before swatting at one of those pesky flies that come out as the days lengthen and the temperature rises, one should probably think twice. A University of Missouri researcher has found, through the study of Drosophila (a type of fruit fly), that by manipulating levels of certain compounds associated with the “circuitry” of the brain, key genes related to memory can be isolated and tested. The results of the study may benefit human patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease and could eventually lead to discoveries in the treatment of depression.

“The implication for human health is that it could influence our understanding of the cognitive decline associated with Parkinson’s disease and depression in humans,” said Troy Zars, MU assistant professor of biological science in the College of Arts and Science.

This depth-encoded image shows serotonin clusters in the brain of the drosophila, a type of fruit fly. Click here for more information.

The idea that animals have a system that can match the quality of a memory with the significance of the memory is well established. If the event is significant, the memory and detail surrounding it is much stronger, lasts longer and is more easily recalled compared to more insignificant or common events. The problem the study addresses is the understanding of the mechanism by which that occurs.