weiqing

Our laboratory investigates how the insulin/IGF-1 pathway regulates development, aging and metabolism in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In order to identify new genes that activate or mediate insulin signaling in the context of an intact organism, we performed novel functional genomic (RNAi) and classic genetic screens. The RNAi screens identified 467 candidate genes that may participate in insulin-mediated regulation of development, aging and metabolism. We will determine the roles of these candidate genes as well as their regulatory relationship with the insulin pathway. We will be particularly interested in novel signaling or cellular events that modulate or mediate insulin signaling. From the genetic screen, we have isolated mutants for at least 6 new genes that are likely to function in the steroid signaling pathway, which is thought to provide a secondary hormonal signal that acts downstream of the insulin pathway to regulate development and aging. Identification and characterization of these genetic mutants will help to understand steroid signaling and how it intersects with the insulin pathway.

These studies will uncover the underlying mechanisms of insulin signaling that are potentially conserved in mammals. As the etiology of diabetes and obesity in humans is thought to involve many yet-to-be-identified genetic determinants that are associated with defective insulin signaling, our work will provide insights into these complex disorders. Moreover, our studies will also help to understand organismal aging as well as serve as an invaluable foundation for studies of human aging-related diseases.