UASt regulatory sequences drive expression of an inverted repeat.
Adults expressing drdGD3367 under the control of either Scer\GAL4DJ626 or Scer\GAL4DJ717 (in combination with a Dicer-2 transgene to enhance RNAi efficiency) lack a peritrophic membrane in the midgut and have reduced defecation rates. Alongside, the presence of holes in the brain indicate signs of neurodegeneration.
Expressing drdGD3367 under the control of Scer\GAL4hs.PB (with or without a Dicer-2 transgene to enhance RNAi efficiency) hinders peritrophic membrane formation, without affecting defecation rate, when RNAi expression is induced in newly eclosed adults (using a 7 day heat-shock protocol). When RNAi expression is induced during metamorphosis, peritrophic membrane formation is unaffected, but adults are short-lived.
Expressing drdGD3367 under the control of Scer\GAL4DJ628 does not affect peritrophic membrane formation or adult survival.
Adults expressing drdGD3367 under the control of Scer\GAL4elav.PLu (in the presence of Dcr-2Scer\UAS.cDa to increase the efficiency of RNAi) do not show a significant defect in avoidance of noxious temperature (46[o]C) compared to control flies.