The Role of Serotonin in Energy Homeostasis in C. elegans

为了确保生存，动物必须不断评估环境中的食物状况，并做出反应 适当地将食物摄入量与能量消耗相匹配。两者之间的净余额为 反映在动物的脂肪储存中。神经递质5-羟色胺在 维持这种动态平衡，通过传递来自环境的食物信号来引发 动物的行为和生理，从而维持脂肪的动态平衡。这项研究的目的是解决这个问题：“5-羟色胺信号如何调节线虫体内的能量平衡？”在正向遗传和RNAi筛查中，我已经确定了几个对线虫5-羟色胺能脂肪调节很重要的基因。我将结合行为和生理分析，研究这些新发现的基因在食物摄入量、能量消耗和其他能量平衡指标中的作用。结合分子和遗传分析，我的目标是明确线虫的5-羟色胺能支出。 我目前的研究目标与我的长期兴趣是一致的，即了解 环境在生物体水平上影响复杂的行为和生理。了解遗传学和环境的复杂交集是生物科学的前沿，对人类健康有重大的直接影响。

To ensure survival, animals must constantly assess food status in the environment, and respond appropriately by matching food intake to energy expenditure. The net balance between the two is reflected in the fat stores ofthe animal. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a central role in maintaining this dynamic balance, by relaying food signals from the environment to elicit changes in behavior and physiology of the animal so that fat homeostasis is maintained. The goal of the research proposed here is to address the question: "How does serotonin signaling modulate enerqv balance in C. elegans?" In forward genetic and RNAi screens, I have identified several genes that are important for serotonergic fat regulation in C. elegans. Using a combination of behavioral and physiological assays, I will examine the roles ofthese newly-identified genes in food intake, energy expenditure and other measures of energy balance. Together with molecular and genetic analyses, I aim to specify the serotonergic expenditure in C. elegans. My current research objectives are well-aligned with my long-term interest in understanding how the environment influences complex behavior and physiology at the organismal level. Understanding the complex intersection of genetics and environment is a frontier in the biological sciences with major, direct impacts on human health.