Genomics analysis of L-DOPA exposure in Drosophila sechellia

The dietary specialist fruit fly Drosophila sechellia evolved to feed primarily on the toxic fruit of Morinda citrifolia. Seeking the basis of adaptations to the unique chemistry of its host plant, we profiled genome-wide gene expression response to L-DOPA because it is highly abundant in M. citrifolia, critical for reproductive success of D. sechellia, and may influence toxin resistance in this species. Here we used a combination of functional genetics and genomics to identify a new gene, Esterase 6 (Est6) that is important for D. sechellia ecological adaptation to this new niche. Differential gene expression analysis of D. sechellia, D. simulans, and D. melanogaster flies exposed to control food and food supplemented with L-DOPA using RNA-sequencing.