Astrocytes are known to provide support to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that control the reproductive axis, for example by releasing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) required for fertility. Astrocytes may also play a critical role in the brain as metabolic sensors. In response to insulin, astrocytes increase glucose uptake across the blood brain barrier and release metabolites and gliotransmitters to support neuronal function. We have recently demonstrated a unique biological role for astrocytes in coupling fertility to energy availability. We found that the absence of insulin signaling in astrocytes delays puberty, causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and dramatically reduces fertility. This finding is particularly exciting since numerous studies have shown neuronal insulin sensing is unnecessary for reproduction. We have also found that loss of astrocyte insulin sensing reduces PGE2 synthase levels, leading us to hypothesize that astrocyte insulin sensing facilitates GnRH release by promoting astrocyte PGE2 release. New preliminary data suggest that insulin signaling via FOXO pathways alter the transcription of enzymes in the PGE2 biosynthesis pathway, such as COX-2. We will test our hypothesis by pursuing three specific aims. Aim 1) Define the relevant temporal & spatial parameters of astrocyte insulin signaling. Using the tet-on genetic targeting system, we will test whether astrocytes must sense insulin during adulthood or prior to puberty in order to permit normal reproductive function. Astrocyte-specific viral cre administration will also determine the importance of astrocyte insulin sensing in the arcuate nucleus and the rostral preoptic area. Aim 2) Determine the impact of insulin signaling on astrocyte PGE2 gliotransmitter production proximal to reproductive circuits. Measurement of regional PGE2 production will be complemented by AAV targeted disruption of Cox-2 production by astrocytes to determine its importance for fertility. Finally, we will determine whether Kiss1 neurons sense PGE2, leading to altered GnRH release. Aim 3) Determine the molecular role of the insulin/ FOXO pathway in astrocyte PGE2 synthesis. An astrocyte cell line will be used to systematically investigate the major aspects of insulin/FOXO/COX signaling, including phosphorylation, localization, promoter occupancy, and quantitative transcriptional activity measurements. Finally, we will ablate insulin signaling pathways in astrocytes to determine their effect on fertility and PGE2 production. Collectively, these studies will identify how insulin signaling in astrocytes sustains reproductive circuit function. This work will elucidate what may be the dominant mechanism in the mammalian brain whereby insulin permits normal fertility and pubertal maturation. Our results will advance our long-term goal of finding treatment targets for impaired fertility in patients recovering from energy deficits, obese and diabetic populations, and others with idiopathic hypog...