What I Did
My group and I were interested in the way the Slc45-1 gene played a part in the D. melanogaster midgut. The ortholog for this gene in humans, SLC45A2, is associated with oculocutaneous albinism type 4. We found that while Slc45-1 is differentially expressed in the Fe region of the midgut, it is likely not associated with the Mco1 gene, which is involved in the oxidation of ferritin in some processes in other organisms. However, Slc45-1 is likely related to the regulation of pH for the purpose of facilitating or inhibiting melanogenesis.
How You Can Help
The primary functions of the iron region of the Drosophila midgut are unclear. Revelations relating to the purpose(s) of the Fe region could allow for increased understanding of Slc45-1 and other differentially expressed genes in the area.