The impact of germline metabolic reprogramming on reproduction and physiology

Introduction

Animals are composed of multiple tissues with different metabolic needs. During differentiation, the establishment of specific metabolic programs allows cells to acquire specialized functions. The nutrients that fuel these cell-specific metabolic pathways are obtained via the diet.

Nutrient Supply and Behavioral Strategies

In order to secure proper nutrient supply to these tissues, the central nervous system accesses their metabolic states, allowing the animal to mount behavioral strategies to adapt nutrient appetite. Our understanding of how cell-specific metabolic programs regulate animal physiology and behavior has been hindered by the lack of tractable experimental systems.

Research Findings

Using Drosophila melanogaster, I uncovered that the germline undergoes metabolic reprogramming, upregulating a specific carbohydrate metabolism branch, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). I found that oogenesis progression requires the supply of dietary sugars, fueling this pathway.

Germline Communication

I further showed that the germline communicates its metabolic status to the fat body (FB), regulating the transcription of a satiety factor that acts on the brain to regulate sugar appetite. These findings represent a unique experimental platform, which I will use to study how cell-specific metabolic programs and nutrition regulate whole-animal physiology and fertility.

Future Research Goals

I will:

1. Identify the transcriptional factors regulating metabolic reprogramming in the germline.
2. Test the requirement of specific PPP metabolites in germline cell functions and fertility.
3. Identify the molecules mediating the ovary-FB signaling axis and characterize their impact on FB transcriptional regulation, nutrient appetite, and fertility.

Implications for Human Health

Metabolic dysfunctions are known to result in many human conditions. This proposal will not only contribute to our understanding of how metabolism ensures reproduction but will also help develop dietary interventions to tackle impactful human disorders, including infertility.