Adult functions for the Drosophila DHR78 nuclear receptor

Here we study the adult functions of the single Drosophila member of this subfamily, DHR78, with the goal of defining its ancestral functions in the absence of genetic redundancy. We show that DHR78 mutants have a shortened lifespan and reduced motility. Mated DHR78 mutant females display reduced triglycerides along with a reduced feeding rate. Transcriptional profiling reveals a major role for DHR78 in promoting the expression of genes that are abundantly expressed in the midgut, suggesting that it contributes to nutrient uptake. We also identify roles for DHR78 in maintaining the expression of genes in the ecdysone and Notch signaling pathways. Comparison of the transcriptional profile of DHR78-transheterozygote female mutants in a btl>DHR78 background with genetically matched controls