Identification of genes regulated by Fer2 in the fly brain using an overexpression approach. Identification of genes regulated by Fer2 in the fly brain using an overexpression approach

The transcription factor Fer2 plays a neuroprotective role in the dopaminergic neurons of the fly brain, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not understood. By performing RNA-seq on fly heads after Fer2 inducible overexpression, we identified hundreds of genes differentially regulated in response to Fer2 overexpression. Combining this dataset with Fer2 ChIP-seq on the fly head, we obtained a list of 26 direct target genes, bound and regulated by Fer2. Overall design: RNA-seq on fly heads from 14 day-old flies overexpressing a UAS-Fer2::FLAG transgene driven by a heat-inducible GAL4 (hs-GAL4). Heat-shock treatment was used to induce Fer2 overexpression. Flies not carrying the UAS-Fer2::FLAG transgene were used as controls. N=3 per group.