Identifying Sleep Regulatory Genes Using aDrosophilaModel of Insomnia

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5629-08.2009
• Publication Date: 2009-06-03T17:37:34Z
• Authors: Laurent Seugnet; Yasuko Suzuki; Matthew Thimgan; Jeff Donlea; Sarah I. Gimbel; Laura Gottschalk; Steve P. Duntley; Paul J. Shaw
• Keywords: Sleep

Although it is widely accepted that sleep must serve an essential biological function, little known about molecules underlie regulation. Given insomnia a common disorder disrupts the ability to initiate and maintain restorative sleep, better understanding of its molecular underpinning may provide crucial insights into regulatory processes. Thus, we created line flies using laboratory selection share traits with human insomnia. After 60 generations, insomnia-like ( ins-l ) min day, exhibit difficulty initiating maintaining show evidence daytime cognitive impairment. are also hyperactive hyperresponsive environmental perturbations. In addition, they have their balance, elevated levels dopamine, short-lived, increased triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acids. core clock remains intact, lose when placed constant darkness. Whole-genome profiling identified genes modified in flies. Among those differentially expressed transcripts, involved metabolism, neuronal activity, sensory perception constituted over-represented categories. We demonstrate two these upregulated subjects after acute deprivation. Together, data indicate useful tool can be used identify important for regulation both causes long-term consequences