POSTER: Differential Expression of Amylase Genes in the Drosophila Midgut – Poster by Alyssa Camara, Tris Pham, JC Moura, Maeve Taylor, Allison Eckard, Joanna Lee (Lesley University, CBIOL2022 SP2025)

What I Did
We analyzed the differential expression of three amylase genes—Amy-d, Amy-p, and Amyrel—across various Drosophila midgut regions using RNA-seq data. This work explored how region-specific regulation of these genes might relate to human digestive processes and diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

Why It Matters

  • It connects fly gene expression to human conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
  • Highlights the specialization of digestive enzymes across gut regions—an important concept in both human and animal physiology.
  • Encourages thinking about regulatory mechanisms beyond just gene copy number.

How You Can Help
I’d love feedback on future research directions, especially how to connect gut gene regulation to human health. Suggestions for expanding this work or collaboration opportunities are very welcome!

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