SICB Division of Comparative Endocrinology (DCE)

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From the DCE Researchers Database

Stacia Sower

Molecular Evolution of the Neuroendocrine System
The research in my laboratory and with my collaborators and students emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to studying the molecular and evolution of the neuroendocrine system in basal vertebrates. As an agnathan, the sea lamprey has become a model system for analysis of several systems including the evolution of the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction. Lampreys were identified in a pivotal position such that the mapping of the lamprey genome started in Jan 2005. For neuroendocrine studies the availability of the genome offers incredible opportunities for identification of ligands, receptors, transcription factors and signaling pathways. Our ongoing studies focus on the molecular, biochemical and functional studies of gonadotropin releasing hormone and glycoproteins such as gonadotroprin and respective receptors in lamprey to test the overall hypothesis that lamprey hormones and their receptor(s) share common functional and developmental features compared to later evolved vertebrates. The hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) system is considered to be a vertebrate innovation and seminal event that emerged prior to or during the differentiation of the ancestral Agnathans. In spite of the very diverse patterns of life cycles and reproductive strategies and behaviors, this endocrine system is remarkably conserved throughout the Gnathostome lineages. We propose a modified paradigm in that the neuroendocrine control of reproduction and thyroid functions in the Agnathan sea lamprey exhibits an overlapping, simplified organization represented by one glycoprotein hormone putatively interacting with two receptors (see diagram above). Our working hypothesis is that the glycoprotein hormone/glycoprotein hormone receptor systems emerged as a link between the neuroendocrine and peripheral control levels during the early stages of Gnathostome divergence.


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Howard Bern Lecturers

2002 - Howard Bern (inaugural, Anaheim Meeting)
2003 - Hubert Vaudry (Toronto Meeting)
2004 - Yoshi Nagahama (New Orleans Meeting)
2005 - Jim Truman (San Diego Meeting)
2006 - Stacia Sower (Orlando Meeting)
2007 - Nancy Sherwood (Phoenix Meeting)
2008 - Peter Thomas (San Antonio Meeting)
2009 - Peter Sharp (Boston Meeting)
2010 - Carl Schreck (Seattle Meeting)
2011 - John Wingfield (Salt Lake City Meeting)
2012 - Lynn Riddiford (Charleston Meeting)
2013 - Ellen Ketterson (San Francisco Meeting)


The 2013 Bern Lecturer, Dr. Ellen Ketterson.



The Howard A. Bern Lecture, which each year highlights the work of an influential comparative endocrinologist, has been an excellent forum for presenting the newest breakthroughs and synthetic themes in the field. This lecture is named in recognition of one of the founding fathers of Comparative Endocrinology and a member of the National Academy of Science.

Donate to the Howard A. Bern Endowment Fund
This fund began with an initial contribution by Elsevier, publisher of General and Comparative Endocrinology, but donations are needed to ensure the continuation of this vital part of the SICB annual meeting. All proceeds from the fund will be used exclusively to support the lecture. Contributions can be made at:
https://ssl4.westserver.net/birenheide/secure/sicb/cart/donations.php




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