Retinal degeneration in the fly

Abstract

In the 1980s, Drosophila took on a surprising role as an animal model for retinal disease, when the genetic similarities and fundamental processes between flies and humans became apparent. Despite its perceived simplicity, the fruit fly is, indeed, a remarkably complex creature with a genetic makeup that is surprisingly similar to our own. Investigators continue to capitalize on a whole host of versatile genetic techniques together with the accessibility of the fly to dissect fundamental photoreceptor cell mechanisms in vivo. The brief life span of the fly, only 2 months, allows for monitoring the onset and progression of retinal degeneration in a short time. These advantageous features place Drosophila among the important animal models used for unraveling the basis of and therapeutic treatments for retinal degenerative disorders. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.