Investigating the Effects of FlyNap (Triethylamine) on Behavior and Related Gene Expression in Wildtype and White Mutants of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

The current study examines the effect of FlyNap (triethylamine) on gene expression in three target genes (Dop1R1, Rgk1, and Inx6) of Drosophila melanogaster relative to two housekeeping genes (Rap2l and Sdha). I hypothesized that FlyNap will alter the expression of the target genes compared to untreated flies, particularly in the wildtype flies, as the white flies are reported to be more resistant to the anesthesia. To test this hypothesis, olfactory assays were performed to assess the flies’ sensory and motor abilities. Next, RNA extractions, cDNA syntheses, and quantitative real-time PCR protocols took place to obtain Ct values for each sample with each gene. Analysis involved calculating primer efficiencies, then incorporating them into the Pfaffl method. Results showed strong trends of experimental flies, both wildtype and white mutants, having lower levels of average relative expression for all three genes. Additionally, white flies appeared to have higher levels of average relative expression for all three genes compared to wildtype flies. Sex did not seem to be a strong determinant in how FlyNap affected the flies. Wildtype flies recovered successfully from FlyNap application about 57% of the time, whereas white flies recovered only about 48% of the time. Olfactory assay data suggest that aversive odors are more powerful than attractive odors. These data indicate that the anesthetic FlyNap might have more effect on Drosophila melanogaster than previously believed and that white flies are less susceptible to its effects compared to wildtype flies.