Understanding hidden genetic variations in fruit flies
Official title: Dissecting cryptic genetic variation underlying complex traits in Drosophila
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-10796086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes in fruit flies work together and change when they are in different environments, like when they eat a lot of sugar, to help us understand more about how these genetic factors can affect health and how long we live.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $436,326 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM152956-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals interested in the genetic factors affecting metabolic disorders and longevity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolic processes or genetic variations may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic basis of complex traits using fruit flies as a model organism. It focuses on uncovering cryptic genetic variations that may only become apparent under specific environmental conditions, such as a high sugar diet. By integrating various scientific approaches, including genomics and metabolomics, the research aims to reveal how genes interact with each other and with environmental factors to influence metabolism and development. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex traits that affect health and longevity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of genetic factors influencing health and lifespan, potentially informing future medical treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using Drosophila to study genetic variation is well-established, the specific focus on cryptic genetic variation under dietary stress is a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhuang, Xuan — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: Zhuang, Xuan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.