Not Your Average Kitchen Pest: A Story about Drosophila melanogaster and their Role in Research11/23/2019 Luke ScherzBIOSC Junior and pre-med student The sense of freedom accompanied with being a college student most often implies the luxury of living off-campus in either an apartment or house. As we all know, living in a house or apartment or house with a kitchen comes with the inescapable reality of dealing with insect foreign invaders that love to set up shop wherever they please. Fruit flies in particular seem to be a common enemy among student residents since they thrive on our lack of time and inability to maintain the cleanliness of our kitchens especially during periods with lots of exams. Although we battle fruit flies on a daily basis within our homes, these little guys go way beyond just being an average kitchen pest. Attesting to this, the research lab that I have been involved with over the past two years have utilized fruit flies, or Drosophila melanogaster to be more scientifically accurate, as our model system to better understand the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. I currently conduct research within the Palladino Lab, which is associated with the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) and also affiliated with the School of Medicine. Some of the reasons why Drosophila melanogaster was chosen as our model system include their rather short life cycle, their large numbers of progeny, and the easy maintenance of their living conditions. Beyond these guys being everyday nuisances, they do play an important role in progressing various fields of research. In our lab, we are attempting to better elucidate the protein quality control pathway of certain diseases, including TPI (TriosePhosphate Isomerase) Deficiency and Parkinson’s Disease, since they are characterized by abnormal levels of proteins. By better understanding how damaged proteins are handled within a biological system, we can target specific molecular components in the pathway that contribute to pathogenesis via pharmacological intervention and potentially alleviate symptoms. Over the past two years, I have conducted research focused on identifying and confirming the molecular components associated with the protein degradation pathway, relying heavily on Drosophila melanogaster to model specific protein-linked diseases. Who would have thought that the little insect annoyance flying around your kitchen would actually play an important role in furthering research, and by extension, modern medicine? All that I am saying is that that individual was certainly not me! Model organisms, such as fruit flies, are critical to science because they serve as a mirror that reflects how our bodies actually function at the molecular level. Now that I gave you guys a brief glance into the research that I have been conducting since the beginning of my undergraduate career here at Pitt, I would love to spend some time discussing how I got involved in research and what opportunities are available to you if research is something that interests you. My AP Biology teacher in high school recommended that I apply for research via a work study since she informed me that it was never too early to begin research. So, prior to the start of my freshman fall term, I applied to about five different work study positions and luckily was offered a position in the lab I am currently in. After about three months of being a work study student, I transitioned into an undergraduate research position and was given my own project. Although I began freshman year, do not feel obligated to begin so soon or fret about not being involved in research yet. It is ok! Most students do not begin research until their second or third year so there is still time to find the research lab that is just right for you. Offering some advice on how to find research, I encourage students to first determine what kind of research they want to pursue. To do this, think back to your foundational courses whether it be biology or chemistry and recall what ideas or concepts that interested you. After figuring out your interest, go to this link (pivot.proquest.com/profiles/main) and search your topic of interest in the search bar. The corresponding results list labs affiliated with Pitt that focus on your topic of interest. After finding a lab that you may like, reach out to the Principal Investigator via email, emphasizing your personal interest in the lab and why you would make a great addition to the team. Lastly, reach out to about five to ten different labs that you may like since many other students are also looking for research. Now research may seem like some scary and intimidating thing that is unattainable for students, but it really is not since it can only help you in your academic endeavors. Research is not only a great resume builder, but it is also an excellent learning experience that teaches critical thinking capabilities and builds professional character. The things that I have learned from my research involving fruit flies have shaped my academic development over the past two years and ultimately have made me a stronger student. I do not know about you, but I would have to say that those little guys are way more than just an average kitchen pest! Interested in getting involved in research? Learn how our amazing BIo Peer Advisors found their labs in our soon to be released "How I got involved in research video". Check out this snippet from Luke's story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj1uRePKdmI
1 Comment
12/5/2023 01:43:45 am
Extremely informative! This pest control article offered practical tips and a clear understanding of pest management. Great job simplifying such a crucial topic!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Pitt Bio BlogThe Pitt Bio Blog is maintained by the Department of Biological Sciences Advising Office. Posts are authored by our students Archives
January 2022
Categories |