Deletion of Drosophila insulin-like peptides causes growth defects and metabolic abnormalities.

ABSTRACT: Insulin/Insulin-like growth factor signaling regulates homeostasis and growth in mammals, and is implicated in diseases from diabetes to cancer. In Drosophila melanogaster, as in other invertebrates, multiple Insulin-Like Peptides (DILPs) are encoded by a family of related genes. To assess DILPs' physiological roles, we generated small deficiencies that uncover single or multiple dilps, generating genetic loss-of-function mutations. Deletion of dilps1-5 generated homozygotes that are small, severely growth-delayed, and poorly viable and fertile. These animals display reduced metabolic activity, decreased triglyceride levels and prematurely activate autophagy, indicative of "starvation in the midst of plenty," a hallmark of Type I diabetes. Furthermore, circulating sugar levels are elevated

SUBMITTER: Zhang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2780814 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature