Molecular alterations caused by mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) expression in Drosophila melanogaster development

Despite the beneficial effects shown when the mitochondrial alternative oxidase AOX from Ciona intestinalis (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) is expressed xenotopically in mammalian and insect models, important detrimental outcomes have also been reported, raising concerns regarding its envisioned deployment as a therapy enzyme for human mitochondrial and related diseases. Here we applied the omics approach to show the alterations caused by AOX during Drosophila development (larvae and pupae) grown under low-nutrient conditions.