Molecular, integrative, and functional investigations of the role of IGF signaling in aging using a short-lived teleost fish

人们对衰老过程的基本机制知之甚少。该项目将采用一种独特的脊椎动物模型动物进行分子、生理和遗传实验，以确定胰岛素/胰岛素样生长因子（IGF）信号在衰老中的作用。待验证的假设是，IGF信号发挥促衰老和/或抗衰老作用取决于生命阶段、组织和不同IGF结合蛋白的存在。从这些研究中获得的信息将为IGF途径调节衰老的机制提供新的见解。虽然这项工作专门针对鱼类，但它将在理解衰老调节的本质和进化方面具有广泛的相关性。更好地了解衰老调节的本质和演变可能会导致诊断和治疗工具的发展，从而延长美国老龄化人口的健康寿命。该项目还将提供有关生长、营养和衰老相互作用的新信息，并可能在水产养殖中应用，以有效生产动物蛋白。该项目将研究与教育相结合，直接将从这些研究中获得的知识纳入本科课程。PI教授动物生理学和分子内分泌学。建议的研究与这两门本科课程所涵盖的主题直接相关。该项目将为青年科学家和学生提供宝贵的研究和培训机会。受资助的研究生和本科生将参与前沿研究的各个方面。结果将广泛传播。这些研究将通过各种外展计划与公众互动，使整个社会受益。

The fundamental mechanisms underlying the aging process are poorly understood. This project will employ a unique vertebrate model animal to conduct molecular, physiological, and genetic experiments to determine the role of insulin/Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling in aging. The hypothesis to be tested is that IGF signaling exerts pro-aging and/or anti-aging effects depending on the stage of life, tissue, and presence of different IGF binding proteins. The information gained from these studies will provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which the IGF pathway regulates aging. While this work pertains specifically to fish, it will have broad relevance in understanding the nature and evolution of aging regulation in general. A better understanding of the nature and evolution of aging regulation will likely lead to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools that will increase the healthy lifespan of the aging population in the United States. The project will also yield new information about growth, nutrition, and aging interactions and may have applications in aquaculture for efficient production of animal protein. This project will integrate research with education by directly incorporating the knowledge gained from these studies into undergraduate courses. The PI teaches Animal Physiology and Molecular Endocrinology. The proposed studies are directly relevant to the topics covered in these two undergraduate courses. This project will provide valuable research and training opportunities for young scientists and students. The graduate and undergraduate students supported by this grant will participate in every aspect of the cutting-edge research. Results will be broadly disseminated. These studies will benefit society as a whole through interactions with the public by various outreach programs.