The Role Of The Zinc Finger Transcriptional Repressor Znf238 During Nerve Cell Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,264.00
Summary
Proper foetal brain assembly is critical for brain function, but the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, I will investigate a family of proteins that “turn on” neural gene expression in combination with another protein that “turns off” their expression during nerve cell development. Understanding this novel on/off mechanism for controlling gene expression in newborn nerve cells will further our understanding of how the brain is assembled.
Understanding The Regulation Of Cell Polarity In Development And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Cell polarity is the property of cells to be spatially oriented in a tissue or organ. We have now shown that the gene Scribble, a key regulator of cell orientation, may keep tumour development in check. In this proposal, we will examine how disruption of Scribble and associated molecules affects normal development and promotes cancer using a combination of tissue culture studies and a newly established mouse model. These studies may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.