Spatial and temporal control of Rho family GTPases

这项建议集中在解剖涉及的分子机制。 控制细胞分裂、细胞极化和形态发生。这两个同时 相互关联和功能不同的过程由小的GTP酶、开关控制 比如主要作用于细胞膜以重塑细胞生理的蛋白质。这些 蛋白质在细胞和组织中具有多种功能，它们的活性很高。 受监管的。我们建议研究几种小的GTP酶在这些过程中的作用 完整模式生物的过程，包括线虫、线虫和果实 fly，果蝇使用活细胞成像，经典遗传学和 光遗传学。我们还将剖析负责空间和 这些GTP酶的瞬时激活对细胞分裂、细胞极化、 和形态发生。鉴于这些过程的高度保守性， 从这个项目中获得的信息可以帮助我们了解某些癌症和 一些先天缺陷的起源。

This proposal focuses on dissecting of the molecular mechanisms involved in the control of cell division, cell polarization, and morphogenesis. These simultaneously interrelated and functionally distinct processes are controlled by small GTPases, switch like proteins that primarily act at cell membranes to remodel cellular physiology. These proteins perform numerous functions in cells and tissues and their activity is highly regulated. We propose to study the role of several small GTPases during these processes in intact model organisms, including the nematode C. elegans and the fruit fly, Drosophila using a combination of live cell imaging, classical genetics, and optogenetics. We will also dissect the mechanisms responsible for the spatial and temporal activation of these GTPases which is critical for cell division, cell polarization, and morphogenesis. Given the high degree of conservation of these processes, information gained in this project could aid our understanding of certain cancers and the origin of some birth defects.