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The Role of ARAP proteins in Cell Motility

Reference	BBS/E/B/0000L169
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Sonja Vermeren
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	448,574
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/02/2006
End date	31/01/2011
Duration	60 months

Abstract

The body consists of tissues which in turn consist of cells. Each individual cell has in principle the ability to move in a tightly controlled fashion. This cellular motility is extremely important during early embryonic development of an organism, and in the mature body for certain processes, such as wound healing, as well as for the action of the white blood cells during an immune response. All of these processes are impaired when cell movement is abnormal. Cancer cells are particularly problematic when they acquire an increased ability to move. Complicated cellular processes, such as cell motility, require the co-ordination of multiple enzymatic pathways, which control distinct reactions within the cell. Our understanding of that is as yet very limited. We have recently identified a protein called ARAP3 in the laboratory. There are two related family members (ARAP1/2) which are still to be analysed in the test tube. ARAP proteins have a role in mediating cross-talk and signalling cascades between four distinct families of signalling enzymes, all of which are known to be involved in the control of cellular motility and all of which can, if they are not regulated properly, contribute to disease such as cancer. We propose to identify the physiological role ARAP3 plays in regulating cellular migration. To do this we will alter different types of cells such that they lack ARAP3 and analyse the effects this has on cellular motility. Once we have gained a better understanding of the molecular role and physiological function of ARAP3, we will know whether it might be a good target for drug development.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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