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Molecular mechanisms of B Lymphocyte differentiation and activation
Reference
BBS/E/B/0000M206
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Dr Martin Turner
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution
Babraham Institute
Department
Babraham Institute Department
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
256,306
Status
Completed
Type
Institute Project
Start date
01/07/2007
End date
30/06/2011
Duration
48 months
Abstract
The B cell is a crucial component of the normal immune system, however its dysregulation can lead to certain types of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Further understanding of the molecular regulation of B cell differentiation (specialisation) is important for progress in vaccine design and for the development of therapies to treat autoimmunity and B cell malignancies. The importance of a regulatory network of transcription factors (proteins which bind to DNA to transfer information into RNA) controlling B cell identity and differentiation is well established. However, important mechanistic gaps in our knowledge remain. In particular, the relative role of post-transcriptional (post-RNA production) control in the regulation of B cell differentiation remains unclear. We have limited knowledge of the signalling mechanisms that drive naive B cells to become germinal centre (GC) B cells and the signals that promote differentiation of GC B cells into the alternative cell fates of memory versus plasma cells. Post-transcriptional control could impart both speed and sensitivity to these processes. This project seeks to understand how B cell differentiation is regulated and to understand the importance of post-transcriptional control in that process.
Summary
unavailable
Committee
Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research Topics
Immunology
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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