GWAS Reveals Polymorphisms in Genes Related to Sugar Metabolism and Transport Correlated with Survival in DGRP Line Drosophila melanogaster Reared on a 25% Sugar Diet

Authors: Zachary McCann, Abigail Nassimi, Stephanie Taranto, Erin Witkowski, Maud Boisson, Gabrielle Colon, Robert Dalipovic, Anthony Fiumera

Field of Study: Integrative Neuroscience

Faculty Mentors: Anthony Fiumera

Easel: 56

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Diet-induced metabolic disorders are a major public health concern, and high-sugar diets contribute to rising rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although environmental factors are important, genetic contributors to sugar tolerance remain poorly understood. Drosophila melanogaster was used to test whether natural genomic variation influences survival under high-sugar conditions and to identify associated polymorphisms. Thirty-seven Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) lines were reared on a 25% sugar diet, and survival was recorded for 28 days. Differences among lines were analyzed using a generalized linear model with ANOVA, followed by a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Substantial variation in survival was observed, and 18 significant SNPs across 16 genes were identified. Polymorphisms in INDY, Mondo, and Sprint, which regulate metabolic transport and glucose homeostasis, were strongly associated with survival. These results demonstrate that genetic variation in metabolic pathways influences survival in high-sugar environments and may highlight loci relevant to human T2D risk.