Work

Neurofibromin 1 alters feeding microstructure in Drosophila

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by the loss of neurofibromin, a protein shown to regulate metabolism and feeding behavior in Drosophila melanogaster.Using the FlyPad two-choice feeding assay, we compared feeding microstructure between NF1 null mutants, NF1 heterozygotes, and wildtype controls.We find that NF1 mutants took significantly more sips of sucrose and with greater urgency, without changes in sip duration or sucrose taste sensitivity.Overall, these results suggest loss of NF1 increases feeding frequency.

Source: microPublication biology

DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.002374

Authors: Zohre Panahidizjikan, Sydney Born, Maia Espinoza, Tate Lillian, Elizabeth B Brown

Institution: Florida State University

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging