Kismet/CHD7/CHD8 affects gut microbiota, mechanics, and the gut-brain axis in Drosophila melanogaster.

The gut microbiome affects brain and neuronal development and may contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is unclear how risk genes associated with such disorders affect gut physiology in a manner that could impact microbial colonization and how the mechanical properties of the gut tissue might play a role in gut-brain bidirectional communication. To address this, we used Drosophila melanogaster with a null mutation in the gene kismet, an ortholog of chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD) family members CHD7 and CHD8.

Bisphenol a affects neurodevelopmental gene expression, cognitive function, and neuromuscular synaptic morphology in Drosophila melanogaster.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmentally prevalent endocrine disrupting chemical that can impact human health and may be an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders. BPA has been associated with behavioral impairment in children and a variety of neurodevelopmental phenotypes in model organisms. We used Drosophila melanogaster to explore the consequences of developmental BPA exposure on gene expression, cognitive function, and synapse development.