In this video, we describe a procedure to perform a nano-injection of a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus into adult male Drosophila flies and subsequently study the antiviral responses initiated due to the infection. Polymerase chain reaction analysis identifies the upregulation of specific genes in the infected flies that indicate the activation of immune response pathways including RNA interference and JAK/STAT signaling.
Protocol
1. Viral Infection in Drosophila Infect flies by nano-injection and perform survival assays. Pull the capillaries to prepare injection needles, back-fill the injection needle with oil, and assemble the injector. Anaesthetize flies on the pad under a light flow of CO2. Inoculate flies by intra-thoracic injection of 50.6 nL of virus solution (100 PFU, diluted with Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.2). Inject at least 3 vials of flies (20 flies per…
Divulgaciones
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Materials
Microscope
Olympus
CKX41
Nanoject II Auto-Nanoliter Injector
Drummond Scientific
3-000-204
Nanoject II Variable Volume (2.3 to 69 nL) Automatic Injector with Glass Capillaries (110V)