Application of Drosophila Model Toward Understanding the Molecular Basis of Fragile X Syndrome.

Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal model to study Fragile X syndrome (FXS) as it presents us with a toolbox to identify genetic modifiers and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of FXS. Here we describe some of the methods that have been used to study FXS, ranging from reverse genetic screening using the GAL4-UAS system, to mushroom body staining and courtship behavioral assays to examine the learning and memory deficits associated with FXS.