Drosophila Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases

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Annu Rev Pathol. 2008 Oct 8.

Drosophila Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Lu B, Vogel H.

Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo

Alto, CA 94305 and Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center,

VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders of the nervous

system that affect specific cellular populations in the central and

peripheral nervous systems. Although most cases are sporadic, genes

associated with familial cases have been identified, thus enabling

the development of animal models. Invertebrates such as Drosophila

have recently emerged as model systems for studying mechanisms of

neurodegeneration in several major neurodegenerative diseases. These

models are also excellent in vivo systems for the testing of

therapeutic compounds. Genetic studies using these animal models have

provided novel insights into the disease process. We anticipate that

further exploration of the animal models will further our

understanding of mechanisms of neurodegeneration as well as

facilitate the development of rational treatments for debilitating

degenerative diseases.

Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of

Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease Volume 4 is February 28, 2009.