Meeting Abstract
Cellular proliferation during multicellular development is a highly regulated process that relies on different signaling factors being produced at the proper time, in the proper concentrations, and the presence of appropriate receptors. The mechanisms responsible for cell cycle arrest associated with developmental arrest are not completely understood in any species, but a wealth of evidence points to the importance of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) signaling in regulating entrance into metabolic dormancy. Austrofundulus limnaeus, an annual killifish, is uniquely suited to address the complex relationship between IGFs and developmental arrest. The embryonic development of A. limnaeus has been well-defined and contains an unique developmental arrest, called diapause, that can be experimentally induced or avoided through manipulation of environmental conditions. Whole-embryo IGF protein levels were quantified using competitive ELISA assays. Embryos entering diapause exhibited reduced levels of IGF-I protein compared to embryos that do not enter diapause. This differential expression of IGF-I protein suggests a role for IGF-I in the regulation of diapause. Thus, we have examined the mRNA expression patterns of proteins involved in IGF signaling during early development in both developmental trajectories using Illumina RNAseq. By studying the function and regulation of IGF signaling during development in a diversity of species I hope to improve our understanding of development and ageing, and how IGF dysregulation can lead to uncontrolled or cancerous growth.
