Does Insulin Regulate the pre migratory phenotype Diapause in Monarch Butterflies?
Loading...
Authors
Lobert, Grant M.
Issue Date
2019
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
In fall months, monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) enter a
phenotypic state called diapause that is characterized by the
sequestration of fat reserves and halted development of
reproductive organs . Diapause prepares monarchs for migration
by changing their physiology in ways that are better suited for
long distance flight. This state in invertebrates such as C.
elegans and C. pipiens (nematodes and mosquitos) has been
shown to be regulated by the insulin signaling pathway. Using
dsiRNA (RNA interference), the genes for the insulin receptor
InR , FOXO (Forkhead Transcription Factor) were targeted to
test if this relationship exists in monarchs as well. Ideally
mature oocytes would be counted for each treatment group for
quantitative analysis. Due to an insufficient feeding protocol,
quantitative data for this relationship was impossible to collect
as the monarchs did not fully mature reproductively. However,
photographs of the abdominal dissections reveal a potential
success for future trials of this experiment with proper
recalibration of the feeding protocol. It can be noticed in these
photographs that the single individual with mature oocytes was
in the FOXO RNAi treatment. This is consistent with the
expectation for a role of insulin signaling in controlling
diapause in monarchs.
Description
1 Broadside. 48"W x 36"H
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.