Nucleic acids and proteins of d. melanogaster insulin-like genes and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to insulin-like genes and methods for identifying insulin-like genes. The methods provide nucleotide sequences of insulin-like genes, amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, and derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of insulin-like proteins which comprise one or more domains of an insulin-like protein. Antibodies to an insulin-like protein, and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Methods of production of an insulin-like protein (e.g., by recombinant means), and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Further, methods to identify the biological function of a insulin-like gene are provided, including various methods for the functional modification (e.g., overexpression, underexpression, mutation, knock-out) of one or more genes simultaneously. Still further, methods to identify a gene which modifies the function of, and/or functions in a signaling pathway with an insulin-like gene are provided. The invention further provides uses of Drosophila insulin-like nucliec acids and proteins, e.g., as media additives, and as pesticides.