Arc1 : a regulator of triglyceride homeostasis in male Drosophila

Achieving metabolic homeostasis is necessary for survival, and many genes are required to control organismal metabolism. A genetic screen in Drosophila larvae identified putative fat storage genes including Arc1 . Arc1 has been shown to act in neurons to regulate larval lipid storage; however, whether Arc1 functions to regulate adult metabolism is unknown. Arc1 (esm18) males store more fat than controls while both groups eat similar amounts. Arc1 (esm18) flies express more brummer lipase and less of the glycolytic enzyme triose phosphate isomerase, which may contribute to excess fat observed in these mutants. These results suggest that Arc1 regulates adult Drosophila lipid homeostasis.