Characterization of genetic and molecular tools for studying the endogenous expression ofLactate dehydrogenaseinDrosophila melanogaster

Abstract

ABSTRACTDrosophila melanogasterlarval development relies on a specialized metabolic state that utilizes carbohydrates and other dietary nutrients to promote rapid growth. One unique feature of the larval metabolic program is that Lactate Dehydrogenase (Ldh) activity is highly elevated during this growth phase when compared to other stages of the fly life cycle, indicating that Ldh serves a key role in promoting juvenile development. Previous studies of larval Ldh activity have largely focused on the function of this enzyme at the whole animal level, however,Ldhexpression varies significantly among larval tissues, raising the question of how this enzyme promotes tissue-specific growth programs. Here we characterize two transgene reporters and an antibody that can be used to studyLdhexpressionin vivo. We find that all three tools produce similarLdhexpression patterns. Moreover, these reagents demonstrate that the larvalLdhexpression pattern is complex, suggesting the purpose of this enzyme varies across cell types. Overall, our studies validate a series of genetic and molecular reagents that can be used to study glycolytic metabolism in the fly.