ABSTRACT
Powerful genetic and molecular techniques have allowed manipulation of the Drosophila life span by genetic selection of populations, single-gene mutations, and using transgenes. The data have made Drosophila a leading model for aging studies and implicate oxidative damage and metabolic capacity/reserves as major factors. Numerous genes involved in DNA repair and genomic stability have been identified in Drosophila by mutations, and many more are suggested by sequence homology and analysis of the Drosophila genome sequence. As a consequence, Drosophila is also emerging as a leading model system for the study of DNA repair, cell cycle control, and genomic stability. Relatively few studies have bridged these areas to investigate the potential role of DNA repair and genomic stability in aging and life span regulation. The wealth of research tools available suggests that the interface of these areas may be a particularly rewarding area for research in the next decade.
