Gene Discovery and Functional Analysis of Copper Homeostasis Genes in Drosophila

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Copper is a vital nutrient required for the formation and maintenance of bones, blood vessels and the central nervous system, but copper is also potentially toxic when in excess. Homeostatic mechanisms are needed to maintain safe levels of copper in the body and disruptions to these mechanisms are associated with disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and osteoporosis. We are investigating the regulation of a key copper pump, the Menkes protein, which helps control copper levels in the body and we are using the genetic advantages of the fruit fly Drosophila to discover new genes that regulate Menkes activity and therefore copper levels. These studies could lead to novel therapies for a range of copper-related disorders.