We established an in vivo global proteomic platform using BirA*G3 to investigate secreted protein trafficking between organs in Drosophila, and identified a fat body (similar to mammalian liver and adipose tissues) conserved secreted protein that regulates muscle activity. This protein acts on muscles through the interaction with a specific receptor. Due to the success of the BirA*G3 method, we have developed and characterized inducible BirA*G3 mice that we are now using to characterize interorgan communication proteins and peptides.
Secreted proteins also coordinate functions of organisms. Animals use chemical cues from their environment and conspecifics to inform decisions necessary for survival. Much is known about how small volatile molecules and pheromones guide behavior; however, whether and how other molecules secreted by conspecifics can influence behavior is unclear. Our research aims to uncover the roles of secreted proteins and peptides in this process.
Much of our current work is using our approaches in the mammalian system