About DPA
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Two-Dimensional Gel-Based Drosophila Proteomics DatabaseThe fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been utilized as a model genetic organism to understand the fundamental biological systems in human. Despite the availability of the complete genome information, our understanding of Drosophila proteome is still premature. In this database, we have constructed a proteomic database of Drosophila using a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Our database contains a list of identified proteins, a reference protein map of our two-dimensional gel, and detail information of our MS analyses. |
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DPA Current Highlights
Drosophila Brain Proteomics:
Glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in both vertebrate and invertebrate, is synthesized via glycolysis - TCA cycle. It participates in a wide range of neuronal functions and plays a central role in synaptic plasticity and thus in cognitive functions like learning and memory in the brain. On the other hand, altered regulation of glutamate metabolism is implicated in neuropathy and many psychiatric disorders including Schizophrenia. In addition, its excitotoxicity has been linked to diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the metabolic pathways of glutamate.
In Drosophila, glutamate functions as the major neurotransmitter in their nervous systems. However, we have little understanding of the key enzymes in the glutamate biosynthesis. We believe separation and visualization of the brain proteins related to the glutamate metabolism will be a powerful tool to study the functions of the neurotransmitter and the associated disorders. In order to elucidate expression profiles of the key enzymes in glutamate metabolism, we performed proteomics analysis of Drosophila brain proteins using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometer.
Figure: 2-D gel image of Drosophila brain tissue
1st Dimension:IPG strip 3-10, 2nd Dimension: 11% Acrylamide SDS-PAGE
Takemori N, Komori N, and Matsumoto H OUHSC 2007
