2022 Undergraduate Research Symposium

Rahi Shah (biological sciences)

Graduate co-author: Deniz Sifoglu

Faculty mentor: Joy Alcedo

Abstract

Insulin signaling plays multiple roles in animal homeostasis. For example, it regulates development, metabolism, immunity and animal survival. Because of its importance in animal physiology, it is crucial that insulin signaling is neither overactive nor underactive during the course of an animal's lifespan.

We have previously proposed that the neuropeptide neuromedin U receptor NMUR-1 ensures the homeostasis of insulin signaling itself. To elucidate how NMUR-1 maintains the levels of insulin signaling, we are testing whether NMUR-1 regulates the expression of different insulin-like peptides (ILPs). Currently, it remains controversial that the Drosophila and mammalian neuromedin U receptors inhibit insulin signaling.

Thus, our studies might resolve the contradictory data present in the current literature. Instead of simply acting as an inhibitor, NMUR-1 might modulate the neuronal expression of different ILPs that can act as agonists or antagonists of the insulin receptor in response to specific environmental cues.

Poster pitch

Poster

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