microRNA dynamics in a freeze tolerant insect

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The primary objective of this research program is to characterize the regulatory mechanisms involved in insect cold tolerance. Survival at low temperatures requires tight control of cellular signaling pathways and this program seeks to better understand the network of molecular interactions necessary for cold survival in the freeze tolerant goldenrod gall fly Eurosta solidaginis. While metabolic activity is greatly reduced at sub-zero temperatures, this insect model is nonetheless capable of surviving this stress by depressing energy-consuming processes and activating selected signaling pathways required for survival. Even though research performed in this field has identified multiple signaling cascades and associated enzymes that are modulated in the cold, no such data exist regarding a family of recently discovered small noncoding RNAs named microRNAs (miRNAs). Identifying a cold-associated miRNA expression signature and characterizing the processes of miRNA biogenesis and turnover in freeze tolerant insects will make up the different research objectives of this proposal. While this program provides a great opportunity to improve our knowledge of the biochemical basis of life in the cold for these insects, the findings identified during this project also apply to the medical field. Understanding how insects survive these conditions has potential applications in cryobiology as information collected from these models can provide important clues in devising a strategy to protect cells against damage caused during cryopreservation. Ultimately, characterization of miRNA expression and dynamics in freezing insects will highlight key molecular mechanisms of cold survival and can serve as building blocks in the efforts deployed towards improving long-term organ storage preservation.