ins-17

ins-17 is required for learning and memory in worms.

“We discovered that only a single uncharacterized ILP, INS-17, is required for learning and memory.”

Model organisms

INS-17 acts as a nutrient deprivation signal to mediate adult IIS-regulated associative behaviors in C. elegans

PLoS genetics·28 Apr 2026

ins-17 is required for learning and memory in worms.

“We discovered that only a single uncharacterized ILP, INS-17, is required for learning and memory.”

Model organismsshown by requirement/loss of function

INS-17, an insulin-receptor ligand, confers specificity in adult IIS-regulated phenotypes in C. elegans

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·22 Nov 2025Preprint

ins-17 improves learning and memory in worms.

“INS-17 is sufficient to confer extended memory ability and can promote the maintenance of learning and memory with age.”

Model organismsnormal/wild-type vs mutant

INS-17, an insulin-receptor ligand, confers specificity in adult IIS-regulated phenotypes in C. elegans

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·22 Nov 2025Preprint

ins-17 mediates nutrient deprivation signaling in worms.

“Finally, we found that INS-17 acts to signal a state of nutrient deprivation.”

Model organisms

INS-17 acts as a nutrient deprivation signal to mediate adult IIS-regulated associative behaviors in C. elegans

PLoS genetics·28 Apr 2026

ins-17 improves maintenance of learning and memory with age in worms.

“We also demonstrate that INS-17 is sufficient to confer extended memory ability and can promote the maintenance of learning and memory with age.”

Model organisms

INS-17 acts as a nutrient deprivation signal to mediate adult IIS-regulated associative behaviors in C. elegans

PLoS genetics·28 Apr 2026

ins-17 improves memory ability in worms.

“We also demonstrate that INS-17 is sufficient to confer extended memory ability and can promote the maintenance of learning and memory with age.”

Model organisms

INS-17 acts as a nutrient deprivation signal to mediate adult IIS-regulated associative behaviors in C. elegans

PLoS genetics·28 Apr 2026

ins-17 has no effect on lifespan in worms.

“Additionally, we observe that ins-17 regulates learning and memory ability independent of lifespan, uncoupling IIS-mutant phenotypes.”

Model organismsindependent of lifespan

INS-17, an insulin-receptor ligand, confers specificity in adult IIS-regulated phenotypes in C. elegans

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·22 Nov 2025Preprint