The present invention relates to a D. melanogaster
insulin-like
gene and methods for identifying
insulin-like genes. The methods provide
nucleotide sequences of a D. melanogaster
insulin-like
gene,
amino acid sequences of the encoded proteins, and derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of insulin-like proteins which comprise one or more domains of an insulin-like
protein. Antibodies to an insulin-like
protein, and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided.
Methods of production of an insulin-like
protein (e.g., by recombinant means), and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Further, methods to identify the biological function of a D. melanogaster insulin-like
gene are provided, including various methods for the
functional modification (e.g., overexpression, underexpression,
mutation, knock-out). Still further, methods to identify a D. melanogaster gene which modifies the function of, and / or functions in a signaling pathway with, an insulin-like gene are provided. The invention further provides uses of Drosophila insulin-like nucleic acids and proteins, e.g., as a media additive, and as a
pesticide.