The Duan lab uses zebrafish and human cells and organoids as experimental models. A combination of molecular, cell biological, biochemical, genetic, and transcriptomic approaches are used to address physiological and developmental questions. Specific areas of research activity include: (1) roles of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling in regulating cell cycle decisions; (2) signal transduction mechanisms of IGF actions; (3) transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression; and (4) roles of IGFs and other hormones in regulating development, growth in response to hypoxia and nutrient restriction. Our current studies focus on discovering novel mechanisms regulating cell plasticity and the cell quiescence-proliferation balance.