Functional Analysis Of The P160 Myb-binding Protein - A Regulator Of Multiple Transcription Factors?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,697.00
Summary
The c-myb gene is a key molecular regulator of normal blood cell production, but alterations to this gene can also lead to leukaemia. The protein (Myb) encode by the c-myb gene acts as a transcription factor, ie, it controls the activity of other genes. There is good evidence that interactions with other proteins can regulate the activity of Myb. Our laboratory has identified what we believe is one such protein - p160 - that binds to a part of Myb that reduces its activity, and thus that is like ....The c-myb gene is a key molecular regulator of normal blood cell production, but alterations to this gene can also lead to leukaemia. The protein (Myb) encode by the c-myb gene acts as a transcription factor, ie, it controls the activity of other genes. There is good evidence that interactions with other proteins can regulate the activity of Myb. Our laboratory has identified what we believe is one such protein - p160 - that binds to a part of Myb that reduces its activity, and thus that is likely to be responsible for regulating Myb. However, it has recently become apparent that p160 interacts with a number of other transcription factors in addition Myb. The primary aim of this project is to elucidate precisely how p160 interacts with Myb and what the consequences of this interaction are. A range of experimental approaches, which range from in vitro to genetic studies, will be employed to do this. We will test a specific role of p160 suggested by our preliminary studies - that of a transporter of transcription factors between the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the cell. Because of the wide range of transcription factors that p160 interacts with, its effects on the function of the cell are likely to be profound. For this same reason, it is difficult to specifically predict the possible medical-health implications of this work However, what we know to date is consistent with a role for p160 as a tumour suppressor gene. Moreover, parts of this project aim to generate genetic information and tools which will help in determining whether p160 does play such a role and generally, in identifying any other associations of p160 with particular diseases.Read moreRead less
Probing The Cellular Functions Of The Translation Factor P97
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,307.00
Summary
The protein p97 takes part in the synthesis of cellular proteins from messenger RNA, a central step in gene expression. We will characterise p97 function as cells progress through their cycle of growth and division, and during responses to stress. Cellular stress is important in many diseases, such as viral infection, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or complications during major surgery. Knowledge of p97 function may help us to better understand and treat these diseases.