The solution
Helen and the team have previously shown that fruit fly kidneys work in a similar way to those of humans. They are now looking to develop new kidney research methods using this model.
Fruit flies share 70% of the genes (fragments of inherited instructions coded in DNA) that determine disease in humans, which makes them a good model for understanding the different factors that affect kidney function. In addition, they have a short lifespan which means that research, especially looking into treatment options, can progress quickly.
To investigate this further, the team will manipulate certain genes in fruit flies, to see which changes lead to poor kidney function. This information will then be used to identify new drug targets that may restore kidney function.
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- Source: https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/2024/06/12/understanding-kidney-disease-risk-and-treatment-possibilities-using-a-new-laboratory-model/