The IGF axis and reproductive investment

The IGF axis is a central regulator of growth and metabolism throughout the life course that is influenced by chronic energy status. Maternal and fetal hormones compete for control of the IGF axis during pregnancy, but maternal strategies for inhibiting offspring growth are poorly understood from both a theoretical and mechanistic basis.

I explore the maternal IGF axis as a potential candidate pathway linking a mother's early nutritional and energetic status with decreased energy allocation to offspring development.