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FB2026_01
,
released March 12, 2026
This report describes characterization of the fly alcohol response using the Drosophila gene ics, which is the Drosophila ortholog of the human gene RSU1 (Ras Suppressor Protein 1). RSU1 plays a role in the Ras signal transduction pathway and integrin signaling. An amorphic allele caused by imprecise excision of a TE insertion, RNAi targeting constructs, and alleles caused by insertional mutagenesis have been generated for Dmel\ics.
The human RSU1 gene has not been introduced into flies.
An insertional allele of Dmel\ics was identified in a screen for mutations exhibiting altered sensitivity to ethanol. Animals homozygous for loss-of-function mutations of ics exhibit reduced sensitivity to (are more resistant to) ethanol-induced sedation. In a mutant background, pan-neuronal expression of ics is sufficient to restore normal sensitivity to ethanol. Flies completely lacking ics show heightened naive preference that does not increase further over the time. Physical and genetic interactions of Dmel\ics have been described; see below and in the ics gene report.
[updated Jan. 2018 by FlyBase; FBrf0222196]
Alcoholism can be defined as persistence of excessive drinking over a long period of time despite adverse health effects and disruption of social relations (Morozova et al., 2014; pubmed:24395673).
The 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) combined the two former categorizations of abnormal alcohol use (alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence) into one diagnosis: alcohol use disorder. The severity of an individual's AUD is broken into classifications: mild, moderate, or severe. "Alcoholism" is a non-medical term often used to describe a severe form of alcohol use disorder. (https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/recovery-blog/alcoholism-alcohol-use-disorder-whats-difference/)
Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of different types of cancer, higher cardiovascular disease mortality, birth defects, liver diseases, and neuropsychiatric disorders (Morozova et al., 2014; pubmed:24395673).
Alcoholism is a multifactorial, genetically influenced disorder. [from MIM:103780; 2017.12.19]
The RSU1 gene encodes a protein that is involved in the Ras signal transduction pathway. In mouse, the RSU1 ortholog was initially isolated based on its ability to inhibit v-Ras transformation. [Gene Cards, RSU1; 2018.01.11]
Interaction data for the human RSU1 protein and for the fly ortholog implicate this protein in integrin signaling.
One to one: 1 human to 1 Drosophila.
High-scoring ortholog of human RSU1 (1 Drosophila to 1 human); Dmel\ics shares 58% identity and 78% similarity with human RSU1.