Metabolomic profiling reveals that Drosophila melanogaster larvae with the y mutation have altered lysine metabolism

Yellow (y) encodes a protein which is closely similar to major royal jelly proteins produced by bees. However, the function of y remains largely unknown. Metabolomic profiling was carried out on third instar Oregon R (OR) and yellow (y) Drosophila melanogaster larvae. Phenylalanine, tyrosine and DOPA were all elevated in y as might be expected since the mutation blocks melanin biosynthesis. The most consistent effects were related to lysine metabolism, with the lysine metabolite saccharopine being much higher in y. In addition, lysine acetate was elevated, and the levels of methyl lysines were lower, in y than in OR.

▸ The yellow (y) protein is widespread in nature but its function is unclear. ▸ we used mass spectrometric based metabolomic profiling to probe the function of Y. ▸ The absence of Y does not disrupt the formation of melanin precursors. ▸ Y was found to influence lysine metabolism and this might affect histone metabolism. ▸ Y may affect melanin formation indirectly, via its regulation of chitin biosynthesis.