I will discuss our ongoing studies to identify and characterize communication pathways between major organs in Drosophila. Organ-to-organ communications are critical to living systems and play major roles in homeostasis. For example, the vertebrate CNS receives information regarding the status of peripheral metabolic processes via hormonal signaling and direct macromolecular sensing. In addition, skeletal muscles produce various myokines that influence metabolic homeostasis, lifespan, and the progression of age-related diseases and aging in non-muscle tissues. Using genetic screening, transcriptome analyses and proteomic approaches, we are identifying and characterizing secreted factors by which organs communicate their physiological state to others in both homeostasis and altered metabolism, as well as tumor models. These studies are providing fundamental insights into how biological processes observed in one tissue/organ (e.g., decreased cellular metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction) influence the state of other tissues/organs.
Support or Funding Information
Dr. Perrimon is an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
