Role of glob1 in Regulating Structural and Functional Aspects of Malpighian Tubules in Drosophila

The main physiological function of the excretory system of an animal is associated with removing various toxic and other harmful substances. Any excretory system is involved in the removal of waste products of metabolism, to maintain a constant chemical composition of the body fluids even when the external environment changes. Kidneys in vertebrates and Malpighian tubules (MTs) in Drosophila are the main excretory organs that are intricate in the process of excretion. The kidney serves as an excellent model to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying organogenesis. MTs are functionally equivalent to vertebrate kidney’s renal tubule. The main function of MT is to regulate the secretion of fluids and are characterized by two types of cells Principal Cells and Stellate Cells. Principal cells are mainly associated with the movement of potassium ions whereas stellate cells regulate the secretion and movement of Chloride ions. Drosophila melanogaster consists of three globin genes (glob1, glob2, glob3) which are mainly associated with oxygen binding function. Apart from the main function, the present study is focused on exploring the role of the glob1 gene in the development and function of Malpighian tubules in Drosophila. The main findings of the study show the abnormal cellular and physiological architecture of the Malpighian tubule after loss of glob1 gene expression in the principal cells and stellate cells of MTs. Other findings include the defects in embryonic development as larval lethality and apoptosis are also prominent. It is interesting to see that the downregulation of the glob1 gene in MTs also affects the locomotory functions in Drosophila.