2022 Undergraduate Research Symposium: Rahi Shah Graduate co-author: Deniz Sifoglu 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.

1. The Neuropeptide Neuromedin
U Receptor NMUR-1 Maintains
Insulin Signaling Homeostasis
Presented by: Rahi Shah
Alcedo Lab

2. NMUR-1 has opposing effects on pharyngeal health
and survival depending upon DAF-2 insulin receptor
activity
(Sifoglu, 2021)

3. NMUR-1 might regulate insulin receptor signaling
through ILP agonists and antagonists

4. ILP DAF-28 regulates longevity in response to
specific environmental cues and overlap in
expression with NMUR-1
NMUR-1 has no effect on DAF-28 in
ASI sensory neurons
What about in other
DAF-28-expressing
neuorns?
neurons?

5. Future Outlook