Regulation of acinar cell function

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Calcium is a critical regulator of cell secretion, protein activation, and gene expression. Therefore, de-regulating the way calcium is handled within the cell has dire consequences on cell function and survival. The storage and specific release of calcium within the cell is regulated by a series of channels and pumps that respond to external cues. My laboratory has recently identified a novel form of a calcium regulator, SPCA2EXO that may be involved in the function of cells that secrete proteins through a process known as regulated exocytosis. The objective of this proposal will be to identify the role of SPCA2EXO in calcium regulation and cell function. First, we will compare how SPCA2EXO differs from the other form of SPCA2 that was previously characterized, and how it affects calcium movement within the cell. Secondly, we will generate a mouse model in which we have specifically removed SPCA2EXO, and characterize the effects on development and differentiation. Finally, using a cell culture model, we will determine if loss of SPCA2EXO affects the ability of the cells that normally express SPCA2EXO to undergo regulated exocytosis. This work will provide information in the understanding of how calcium is regulated at the cellular level and how calcium controls cell function, while also providing insight into a novel regulator of the exocytosis process.