A chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy model in Drosophila melanogaster

Peripheral neuropathies are one of the largest categories of neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate their mechanisms, many in vitro and in vivo models can be employed. Here we present a protocol for the induction of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in the Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) model system. Using a clinically relevant degeneration initiator, paclitaxel (taxol), it is possible to model many aspects of axon and dendrite degeneration while in a genetically tractable, in vivo system. In this protocol, we feed larval stage Drosophila neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs during the duration of larval development, followed by dissection and imaging of genetically labeled sensory axons and dendrites. Both axons and dendrites degenerate with taxol exposure. Our protocol should facilitate the adoption and expansion of this model to include other neurotoxic compounds.