Gut microbiota in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Drosophila melanogaster serves as an invaluable model for exploring the symbiotic relationship between hosts and microorganisms. This review summarizes recent findings on the maintenance mechanisms, physiological roles, and dysbiosis of the Drosophila gut microbiota. The gut microbiota of Drosophila is maintained by a balance between continuous intake of microbes from diet and their colonization and proliferation in the gut. Distinct pathways of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of Drosophila play crucial roles in recognizing pathogenic and commensal microorganisms. The gut microbiota has a significant impact on the physiological functions of Drosophila. Growth-promoting effects have been reported in the larval stage, and the gut microbiota also exhibits diverse functions in adult flies. Abnormalities in the gut microbiota caused by aging or disease lead to intestinal inflammation and decreased intestinal barrier function, resulting in shortened lifespan. Furthermore, dysbiosis has been suggested to influence the pathology of neurodegenerative disease models. Future advancements in gut microbiota research using Drosophila are expected to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of host-microbe interactions.