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Victor Atoki A, Aja PM, Shinkafi TS, Ondari EN, Adeniyi AI, Fasogbon IV, Dangana RS, Shehu UU, Akin-Adewumi A. Exploring the versatility of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism in biomedical research: a comprehensive review. Fly (Austin) 2025; 19:2420453. [PMID: 39722550 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2024.2420453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 10/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is a highly versatile model organism that has profoundly advanced our understanding of human diseases. With more than 60% of its genes having human homologs, Drosophila provides an invaluable system for modelling a wide range of pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic diseases, as well as cardiac and muscular conditions. This review highlights key developments in utilizing Drosophila for disease modelling, emphasizing the genetic tools that have transformed research in this field. Technologies such as the GAL4/UAS system, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-Cas9 have enabled precise genetic manipulation, with CRISPR-Cas9 allowing for the introduction of human disease mutations into orthologous Drosophila genes. These approaches have yielded critical insights into disease mechanisms, identified novel therapeutic targets and facilitated both drug screening and toxicological studies. Articles were selected based on their relevance, impact and contribution to the field, with a particular focus on studies offering innovative perspectives on disease mechanisms or therapeutic strategies. Our findings emphasize the central role of Drosophila in studying complex human diseases, underscoring its genetic similarities to humans and its effectiveness in modelling conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cancer. This review reaffirms Drosophila's critical role as a model organism, highlighting its potential to drive future research and therapeutic advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | - Erick Nyakundi Ondari
- Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda
- School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Kisii University, Kisii, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Umar Uthman Shehu
- Department of Physiology, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda
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Ali S, Ahmad N, Dar MA, Manan S, Rani A, Alghanem SMS, Khan KA, Sethupathy S, Elboughdiri N, Mostafa YS, Alamri SA, Hashem M, Shahid M, Zhu D. Nano-Agrochemicals as Substitutes for Pesticides: Prospects and Risks. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:109. [PMID: 38202417 PMCID: PMC10780915 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
This review delves into the mesmerizing technology of nano-agrochemicals, specifically pesticides and herbicides, and their potential to aid in the achievement of UN SDG 17, which aims to reduce hunger and poverty globally. The global market for conventional pesticides and herbicides is expected to reach USD 82.9 billion by 2027, growing 2.7% annually, with North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region being the biggest markets. However, the extensive use of chemical pesticides has proven adverse effects on human health as well as the ecosystem. Therefore, the efficacy, mechanisms, and environmental impacts of conventional pesticides require sustainable alternatives for effective pest management. Undoubtedly, nano-agrochemicals have the potential to completely transform agriculture by increasing crop yields with reduced environmental contamination. The present review discusses the effectiveness and environmental impact of nanopesticides as promising strategies for sustainable agriculture. It provides a concise overview of green nano-agrochemical synthesis and agricultural applications, and the efficacy of nano-agrochemicals against pests including insects and weeds. Nano-agrochemical pesticides are investigated due to their unique size and exceptional performance advantages over conventional ones. Here, we have focused on the environmental risks and current state of nano-agrochemicals, emphasizing the need for further investigations. The review also draws the attention of agriculturists and stakeholders to the current trends of nanomaterial use in agriculture especially for reducing plant diseases and pests. A discussion of the pros and cons of nano-agrochemicals is paramount for their application in sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehbaz Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (S.A.); (M.A.D.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Naveed Ahmad
- Joint Center for Single Cell Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Mudasir A. Dar
- Biofuels Institute, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (S.A.); (M.A.D.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sehrish Manan
- Biofuels Institute, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (S.A.); (M.A.D.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Abida Rani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | | | - Khalid Ali Khan
- Applied College, Mahala Campus and the Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production/Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sivasamy Sethupathy
- Biofuels Institute, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (S.A.); (M.A.D.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Noureddine Elboughdiri
- Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Ha’il, P.O. Box 2440, Ha’il 81441, Saudi Arabia;
- Chemical Engineering Process Department, National School of Engineers Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes 6029, Tunisia
| | - Yasser S. Mostafa
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (Y.S.M.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Saad A. Alamri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (Y.S.M.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Mohamed Hashem
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt;
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (S.A.); (M.A.D.); (S.M.); (S.S.)
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