Applying optogenetics to study muscle resistance to mechanical stress
Disciplines
Cell Biology | Genetics | Molecular Genetics
Abstract (300 words maximum)
From humans to fruit flies, many of Earth’s living organisms rely on muscles for essential life functions. However, mechanical stress from these activities can sometimes lead to muscle damage, which, over a lifetime, may result in muscle loss and associated negative outcomes. In this study, we aim to identify genetic factors associated with muscular resistance to constant mechanical stress. To achieve this, we will use the model organism Drosophila melanogaster and optogenetics— a technique that uses light to control cellular processes in genetically modified cells expressing light-sensitive opsin proteins. The flies in this study express the opsin protein CsChrimson in motor neurons that innervate the jump muscle. By subjecting them to an exercise regimen using red light stimulation, we induce muscle damage and assess the extent of degeneration. This system will allow us to screen for and identify genetic factors that may either enhance or impair muscle resistance to mechanical stress.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Anton L Bryantsev
Applying optogenetics to study muscle resistance to mechanical stress
From humans to fruit flies, many of Earth’s living organisms rely on muscles for essential life functions. However, mechanical stress from these activities can sometimes lead to muscle damage, which, over a lifetime, may result in muscle loss and associated negative outcomes. In this study, we aim to identify genetic factors associated with muscular resistance to constant mechanical stress. To achieve this, we will use the model organism Drosophila melanogaster and optogenetics— a technique that uses light to control cellular processes in genetically modified cells expressing light-sensitive opsin proteins. The flies in this study express the opsin protein CsChrimson in motor neurons that innervate the jump muscle. By subjecting them to an exercise regimen using red light stimulation, we induce muscle damage and assess the extent of degeneration. This system will allow us to screen for and identify genetic factors that may either enhance or impair muscle resistance to mechanical stress.