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Content archived on 2024-05-29

TGF-beta signal transduction:mechanisms of Smad2/3 nucleocytoplasmic transport

Objective

TGF-ß related growth factors signal through Smad proteins that transfer the signal from the receptor directly into the nucleus. The receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) Smad2 and SmadS arephosphorylated by the receptor kinase and form complexes with Smad4 that accumulate in the nucleus, where they participate in the regulation of gene transcription. Like Smad4, Smad2 and SmadS exhibit nucleocytoplasmic shuttling irrespective of the presence or absence of a signal.

This project aims at answering two clearly define d questions. Firstly, how does phosphorylation of R-Smadstrigger nuclear accumulation despite their constitutive shuttling properties? And secondly, which import and export receptors (karyopherins) or other regulatory proteins are involved in these transport processes? To answer these questions, a set of powerful experimental approaches will be employed. In the first phase, a novel GFP photo-activation approach will allow detailed studies of nucleocytoplasmic transport kinetics in real time in vivo. I will be able to dissect import from export and study both processes independently. In the second phase, I will take advantage of an in vitro import assay using permeabilised cells depleted of cytoplasm to directly compare the import characteristics of recombinant full length phosphorylated, recombinant unphosphorylated Smad2 as well as of active PhosphoSmad2/Smad4 complexes under different conditions. In a more wide-ranging approach, novel players involved in R-Smad import and export will be identified by a screen using a n siRNA library targeting over 8000 human mRNAs.

A quantitative in vivo export assay will be used to further characterise the effect of knock down of candidate proteins involved in R-Smad export. The project involves a plethora of novel methods, including cut ting edge microscopy and employment of functional genomics using an RNAi library.

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
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Funding Scheme

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IIF - Marie Curie actions-Incoming International Fellowships

Coordinator

CANCER RESEARCH UK - LONDON RESEARCH INSTITUTE
EU contribution
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Total cost

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