'Am not I a fly like thee?' From genes in fruit flies to behavior in humans.
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has provided insight into the role of genes in behavior, some of which have relevant implications for humans. Mutants induced or engineered in the laboratory have contributed to our understanding of biological rhythms, learning, memory, neurodegenerative disease and drug response. Studies of naturally occurring genetic variation in behavior have advanced our understanding of what kinds of variants arise spontaneously and contribute to behavior.
Greenspan
Ralph J
RJ
The Neurosciences Institute, San Diego, CA 92118, USA. greenspan@nsi.edu
Dierick
Herman A
HA
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005824:Genetics, Behavioral; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation