From Flies to Findings:The Function of Insect Models in Predicting Protein Function and Neurodegenerative Disease

Al-Ayari, Eshraka A.; Shaalan, Mona G.; Shehata, Magdi G.

doi:10.21608/eajbsa.2025.463258

From Flies to Findings:The Function of Insect Models in Predicting Protein Function and Neurodegenerative Disease

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Bioinformatics Department, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.

² Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

10.21608/eajbsa.2025.463258

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of aging diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, has profoundly affected the lives of diseased individuals and their families. Researchers have employed model organisms to mimic the disease and look into possible cures in order to better understand these conditions and create efficient treatments. While mammalian models exhibit similarities to humans, insects are frequently favored due to their abbreviated lifespans and reduced ethical considerations. The application of sequence analysis and comparative genomics to identify human disease genes within insect model organisms has the potential to expedite research and pharmaceutical development. The ongoing enhancement of specialized protein databases, in conjunction with advanced computational tools, has augmented the precision and dependability of protein function prediction. By reviewing various studies and articles on insect modelling, this review discusses the use of insects as model organisms for studying neurodegenerative diseases with their potential benefits, current developments in protein function prediction, and their implications for accelerating research and drug development in human diseases.

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