Investigating microbiome effects on age-related sensitivity to sugar and vitamin C in Drosophila melanogaster

Research Focus: 

Our research investigates the complex relationship between age, microbiome composition, and taste sensitivity using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. As we age, our physiological functions, including taste sensitivity, tend to decline, which can impact our nutritional behavior and overall health. For example, reduced sensitivity to sweetness can lead to sugar overconsumption, raising the risk of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the evident link between taste functions and health, the factors contributing to individual differences in taste sensitivity and age-related decline are not well understood. Recent studies suggest that the microbiome, the collection of microorganisms inhabiting an organism, could play a significant role in influencing taste sensitivity.

 

Responsibilities/Methodology:

The proboscis extension reflex (PER) assay will be used to assess the behavioral responses of conventional and germ-free flies to different concentrations of sugar and vitamin C across varying age groups. The PER assay will be conducted across varying age groups, from 3-7 days (young) to 3 weeks old (old).