Signaling Mechanisms in the Crustacean Molting Gland

蟹、龙虾和虾是海洋环境中重要的生态和经济甲壳类动物。坚硬的钙化外壳提供了保护和支持，但限制了生长。因此，这些动物必须定期脱壳，这一过程被称为蜕皮。在蜕皮时，动物会在新壳变硬之前拉伸它，为组织生长提供更多空间。整个过程由一对蜕皮腺产生的蜕皮激素控制。人们对控制蜕皮腺的信号基因知之甚少，特别是让动物蜕皮所需的基因。这一“不归路”决定对所有甲壳类动物的生存和生长至关重要。该奖项支持的研究将解决这样一个问题：“控制甲壳类动物蜕皮的内分泌和分子机制是什么？”这些研究将集中在蜕皮抑制激素(MIH)、一种被称为雷帕霉素机械性靶标(MTOR)的全球翻译调节因子的作用，以及一些调节蜕皮腺生理状态关键转变的生长因子信号通路。该项目涉及来自四所大学的一组研究人员，他们使用最先进的DNA测序技术创建了蜕皮腺中表达的所有基因的完整目录，并对蜕皮过程进行了生理评估。这项研究将确定对蜕皮腺的激活和环境信号对其进行积极和消极调节至关重要的基因。该奖项的更广泛影响将包括教育和资源方面的好处。该项目将培养1名博士后、4名研究生和6-8名本科生分子生物学和生化技术，并为3名未被充分代表的少数民族本科生提供暑期研究经验。研究结果将被汇编到一个数据库中，为研究人员管理渔业、发展有效的水产养殖做法以及减轻污染物和气候变化的有害影响提供宝贵资源。该项目的其他成果将通过2015年SICB会议的专题讨论会/特别会议、博德加海洋实验室的公开展示、K-12外联计划以及在同行评议的期刊上发表来传播。

Crabs, lobsters, and shrimp are ecologically and economically important crustaceans in marine environments. The hard, calcified shell provides protection and support, but restricts growth. As a result, these animals must periodically shed the shell, a process called molting. Upon molting, animals stretch the new shell before it hardens, providing more space for tissue growth. The entire process is controlled by molting hormone produced by a pair of molting glands. Little is known about the signaling genes that control the molting gland, in particular the genes required for committing the animal to molt. This "point of no return" decision is critical for survival and growth in all crustaceans. The research supported by this award will address the question: "What are the endocrine and molecular mechanisms controlling molting in crustaceans?" The studies will focus on the roles of the molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH), a global translation regulator called mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR), and a number of growth factor signaling pathways that mediate critical transitions in molting gland physiological states. The project involves a team of investigators from four universities using state-of-art DNA sequencing technologies to create a complete catalog of all the genes expressed in the molting gland, and physiologic assessment of the molting process. The research will identify genes essential for the activation of the molting gland and its regulation, both positive and negative, by environmental signals. The broader impacts of the award will include both educational, and resource benefits. The project will train 1 postdoc, 4 graduate students, and 6-8 undergraduates in molecular biological and biochemical techniques, as well as provide summer research experiences for 3 underrepresented ethnic minority undergraduate students. The results of the research will be compiled into a database that will be a valuable resource for researchers to manage fisheries, develop effective aquaculture practices, and mitigate the harmful effects of pollutants and climate change. Other results from the project will be disseminated through a symposium/special session at the 2015 SICB meeting, a public display at Bodega Marine Lab, a K-12 outreach program, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.