Final Activity Report Summary - PAR-1/POLARITY (Combining protein engineering, biochemical and genetic approaches to dissect Par-1 function and regulation in vivo)
We used the drosophila oocyte, which was ideally suited for genetic and biochemical manipulation, as a model system to identify Par-1 targets and regulators. In addition we attempted to develop new tools to monitor Par-1 regulation in vivo.
We screened for physiological targets of the Par-1 kinase and obtained a list of candidates which was then further narrowed down and characterised. In addition, we created a useful mutant version of the kinase which could be used to detect kinase direct substrates.
Given the molecular and functional conservation of Par-1 in eukaryotes, it was likely that interacting partners isolated in drosophila would have similar functions in other organisms, providing insight into the molecular networks through which a fundamental process such as cell polarisation was achieved.