The gut is a major source of neuronal and endocrine signals that modulate nutrient storage and food intake, by regulating the activity of other organs, such as the pancreas and the brain. Despite the extensive use of Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental model organism, the Drosophila gut remained a relatively understudied organ. Using an integrated approach, our lab is focused on 1) understanding the mechanisms that makes the gut an efficient barrier, despite its constant interactions with microbes, as well as the 2) various physiological aspect of the digestive tract, in particular digestion and its regulation by nutritional cues. In parallel with these studies, we have recently generated a comprehensive atlas describing the morphological and functional properties for the various regions along the Drosophila midgut.

Keywords

• Drosophila
• Digestion
• Digestive enzymes
• Nutrient sensing
• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Immunity