dTBI: A paradigm for closed-head injury in Drosophila

Abstract Drosophila models have been instrumental in providing insights into molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, that are applicable to human disease. We have recently described a model of controlled head injury to flies, which remarkably parallels many of the physiological responses of humans to traumatic brain injury (TBI). This protocol describes the construction, calibration and use the of the Drosophila TBI (dTBI) device, a platform that employs a piezoelectric actuator to reproducibly deliver a force, which briefly compresses the fly head against a metal surface. The extent of head compression can be specified, allowing the operator to set different thresholds of injury. Using readily available components and tools, the device can be assembled and calibrated within two days, for a total cost of ~$700. The dTBI device can be used to harness the power of Drosophila genetics and perform large-scale genetic or pharmacological screens, using a 7-day post-injury survival curve to identify modifiers of injury.