Characterizing the impacts of ornithine decarboxylase, spermidine synthase, and spermine synthase on polyamine pathway regulation and cell metabolism changes in Drosophila melanogaster
Polyamines are essential for normal cell growth and development. Altered expression of polyamines has been implicated in numerous physiological anomalies including neoplasia, aging, and cardiac hypertrophy. Genetic mutations in enzymes responsible for polyamine metabolism have also been shown to cause or contribute to conditions such as Snyder-Robinson Syndrome and changes in energy production. The exact mechanisms by which polyamine metabolism contributes to these conditions and ways in which the regulatory enzymes interact is not completely known. Furthermore, previous studies have shown a connection between polyamine regulatory enzymes and glycogen and lipid metabolism, potentially contributing to the development of certain conditions related to obesity and diabetes, yet the manner in which each regulatory gene contributes to the development of conditions involving polyamines has not been fully explored. The existing sexual dimorphisms in polyamine regulation between males and females have also not be fully detailed.
In this study, the manner by which three polyamine pathway genes, ornithine decarboxylase (Odc1), spermidine synthase (SpdS), and spermine synthase (Sms) regulated expression of other pathway genes, intracellular concentration of polyamines, and glycogen and lipid stores was characterized in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). Utilizing male and female null and knockdown D. melanogaster models, the roles of Odc1, SpdS, and Sms were able to be better detailed, and the variations between males and females were further clarified. A better understanding of the internal regulation of this pathway will aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets for physical anomalies that demonstrate altered expression of polyamine enzymes.
