Buel D. Rodgers

Animal Sciences
Molecular Endocrinology and Muscle Development

The intricate control of somatic tissue growth and development is coordinated through the collaborative efforts of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. The research performed in Dr. Buel Rodgers’ laboratory focuses on the underlying mechanisms of control for many of these factors. His specific interests include (i) defining the signal transduction pathways and sites of cross-talk between the insulin-like growth factors, their high affinity binding proteins (IGFBPs) and myostatin and in (ii) determining the novel actions of IGFBP-3 in the nucleus. Both mammalian and fish models are utilized in his studies, which incorporate cutting-edge molecular, biochemical, and transgenic methodologies. His goal is to improve animal production and human health by better understanding and possibly manipulating hormone action at the most fundamental and intricate levels.

The myostatin null phenotype in mammals is associated with dramatic increases in skeletal muscle mass or “double muscling.” Attempts to reproduce this effect in the definitive and most amenable animal model for vertebrate development, the zebrafish, have unfortunately failed. However, Dr. Rodgers has recently identified a second zebrafish myostatin whose developmental role appears to mimic its mammalian counterpart. His studies now focus on manipulating its function in hopes of better understanding the mechanisms of action for possibly the most influential myogenic regulator. His studies with IGFBP-3 suggest that this protein may also play a prominent role during myogenesis. More importantly, however, the research is challenging a central tenant of hormone action and suggests that peptide hormones may not necessarily require elaborate second messenger systems. Dr. Rodgers has determined that IGFBP-3 rapidly translocates into myoblast nuclei and has additionally identified nuclear proteins that functionally interact with IGFBP-3. This represents a dynamic paradigm shift in the understanding of intracellular signaling that has implications beyond skeletal muscle growth as nuclear localization of IGFBP-3 also stimulates the apoptosis of mammary and prostate cancer cells.

Contact Information
Buel D. Rodgers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Animal Sciences

Washington State University
PO Box 646351
Pullman, WA 99164-6351

Telephone: 509-335-2991
E-mail: danrodgers@wsu.edu

Health and Life Sciences

Buel Rogers

Dr. Buel Rodgers received his Ph.D. in endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley and trained as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health and at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is currently an assistant professor of animal science at Washington State University and director of the Animal Genomics Laboratory; an interdepartmental group of experimental biologists with interests in the genome sciences. Dr. Rodgers has won numerous awards in recognition of both teaching and research activities and has authored 17 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Past extramural support for his research was provided by grants from the United States Department of Agriculture and by private donations. His research is currently supported by grants from the USDA and from the Washington State University Foundation. He is also an editorial board member of the Journal of Endocrinology.

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