Cunming Duan Ph.D.

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Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

3065B Kraus Natural Science Building

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

734-763-4710

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Our laboratory is interested in understanding the roles of peptide growth factors in neuronal tissue formation and growth and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Our research focuses on the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling system, including the IGF ligands, IGF binding proteins, IGF receptors, and the downstream signal transduction mechanisms. We have discovered that ablation of the IGF-I receptor disrupts the formation of eye, forebrain, and inner ear in zebrafish. We have recently characterized several IGF binding proteins from zebrafish and are investigating their roles in regulating IGF actions on neuronal cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in vivo. Our laboratory also studies roles of IGF signaling system in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis and the underlying signal transduction mechanisms using mammalian cell culture systems.

Ren, H., Yin, P., and Duan, C.. (2008). "IGFBP-5 regulates muscle cell differentiation by binding to and switching on the IGF-II auto-regulatory loop." J. Cell Biol 182: 979-991.

Schlueter, P., Peng, G., Westerfield, M., and Duan, C. (2007). "Insulin-like growth factor signaling regulates zebrafish embryogrowth and development by promoting cell survival and cell cycle
progression." Cell Death Differ. 14: 1095-1105 .

Kajimura, S., Aida, K., and Duan, C. (2005). "Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) mediates hypoxia-induced embryonic growth and developmental retardation." Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA.102: 1240-1245.