Interrogating a novel protein scaffold that coordinates signal transduction and molecular motor function (2015–2016)
Abstract:
Motors proteins move along an internal transport system, the cytoskeleton, to transfer a wide range of
cargos essential for many biological functions. Dysregulated intracellular transport processes underlie the
development of human disease highlighting the importance of understanding how these processes are
controlled. This project will define how signal transduction events are integrated with motor protein functions
essential for cell division or mitosis. We will delineate mechanisms required for molecular motor assembly
and regulation and these represent ideal processes for drug targeting to inhibit mitosis. Thus, our study will
inform on fundamental biological processes and facilitate the development of novel anti-mitotic therapies.