The model organism Drosophila melanogaster also
known as the common fruit fly is very useful in the field of genetic research
due to certain characteristics such as being cost efficient, having a high
yield of offspring in a short time, quick reproduction rate, similar genome to
humans, observable phenotypic traits, and minimal ethical issues.
As of recently professor Jason M. Tennessen who
teaches at Indiana University has begun research on a molecule that is present
at high levels during the larval stages of D. melanogaster that is
responsible for their rapid growth. This molecule shares common biochemical
similarities with the growth of cancer cells and can also be found in types of
cancer that affects the brain and kidneys.
The molecule that was found and is responsible
for the rapid growth is known as L-2HG. With the random discovery of this
molecule Jason had been originally studying an enzyme known as lactate
dehydrogenase which had been discovered to produce the L-2HG molecule.
This is a remarkable discovery and with
continuous research and experiments of this molecule on what influences it to
cause cancer and what doesn't will eventually lead to another type of method
that can cure cancer.
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