PgmNr D1170: Jak/Stat functions in reproductive aging.

Authors:
M. Giedt; D. Harrison


Institutes
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.


Keyword: other ( Reproductive lifespan )

Abstract:

Aging is a complex process, subject to genetic and environmental influences. Regulators of aging include cell signaling, nutrient sensing, DNA repair, protein homeostasis, changes in behavior, and stem cell maintenance. Reproductive tissues also display signs of aging, separate from the organism and aging in reproductive tissues can serve as a model for the study of aging overall. Although initially fertile, males mutant for the Jak/Stat ligand Upd3 experience premature loss of fertility, suggesting a minimum level of Jak/Stat activity is required for regulation of reproductive maintenance. However the Jak/Stat pathway is important for a number of different processes that could contribute to reproductive aging. Given the genetic complexity of aging, and its variation between individuals, the genetic architecture of reproductive senescence can be determined by a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Using the DGRP, we performed a GWAS of male reproductive lifespan to identify potential regulators of reproductive aging with links to Jak/Stat signaling. Our results identified candidates that are known targets or regulators of the Jak/Stat pathway. Among these were pox-neuro (poxn) a known target of Stat92E in the male posterior lobe. This gene has known functions in chemosensory bristle specification, courtship behavior, and male genitalia development, making it a logical candidate for validation. Ptp61F, a known negative regulator of Jak/Stat signaling was also identified in our analysis. Other loci that are known or predicted modifiers of HSPGs or other extracellular signaling regulators were identified and could have previously undocumented roles in regulation of Jak/Stat activity or other cell signaling processes regulating reproductive maintenance with age. We are currently validating these candidates for their roles in reproductive maintenance through knock down or misexpression of candidates using the Gene Switch system. Data from these analyses will be presented.