DYRK2 co-regulates apoptosis and innate immunity in response to genotoxic stress

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Although much of the programmed information in our cells is dedicated to carrying out the fundamental processes necessary for life, our cells also possess a natural pathway for committing suicide, referred to as apoptosis. Apoptosis can occur when the cell sustains irreparable DNA damage, and can be thought of as an altruistic decision – save the organism by sacrificing the one. Apoptosis is typically a “silent” event, and is not accompanied by the cell emitting any danger signals to immune cells, as might occur when a cell dies due to infection with a bacteria or virus. Indeed, apoptotic cell death that is not “silent” can result in disorders such as autoimmune disease. How apoptosis remains an immunologically silent event is not known. We have uncovered a cellular protein termed DYRK2 which seems to be involved in promoting natural apoptosis while simultaneously diminishing the cells immune response. Thus, we have identified a protein involved in co-regulating these two processes. Our goal in this application is to identify other cellular proteins involved in this pathway, which will elucidate a previously unappreciated regulator mechanism within the cell.