Meeting Abstract
Recent work has demonstrated that the Insulin and Insulin-like Signaling Network, specifically the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) hormones and their receptors, have been rapidly evolving in reptiles. Studied extensively in mammalian species, these proteins play many essential roles throughout life as key regulators of growth, cell division, metabolism, and lifespan. To address how the rapid evolution of these proteins may have affected their functional role, and the binding affinities with the receptors, it is essential to produce species-specific IGF proteins. To this end, we collaborated with a CURE course focused on rDNA and gene expression at Auburn University. A national surge to incorporate realistic and novel research into laboratory coursework, often integrating a faculty’s line of research, has led to the creation of such courses. In the CURE course, IGF1 and IGF2 were cloned, expressed, and purified from the brown anoles and green anoles (A. sagrei and A. carolinensis respectively). The purified proteins are being used for in vivo hormonal injections. Species-specific intraperitoneal injections will be given at four time points (Days 1, 5, 12, and 19) in early development. Snout-vent length, tail length, and mass will be tracked for a period of ten weeks to test each protein’s function in early-life growth and results will be discussed. The effectiveness of the CURE curriculum will be analyzed over a period of years. Incorporating the IGF cloning and expression experiment into a classroom setting is the first step in assessing CURE’s success, as well as realistically and successfully preparing future scientists.
