Characterizing C.elegans TGF-Beta pathway gene lon-2

描述(由申请人提供)： 转化生长因子-β信号通路参与细胞的增殖、分化、发育和程序性死亡等多种细胞过程。这一途径的中断可能导致多种疾病，通常是癌症进展的早期步骤。转化生长因子-β信号通路是高度保守的，是蠕虫、苍蝇、青蛙、老鼠和人所必需的。由于这些生长因子在所有这些生物体中的作用相似，我们在更简单的生物体中了解到的它们的功能应该与包括人类在内的其他物种相关。在这个研究项目中，我打算探索线虫(线虫)中的基因lon-2在转化生长因子-β信号通路中的作用及其作用机制。我在这个模型生物体中的研究应该有助于更好地理解总体上的信号通路，并可能为人类治疗转化生长因子-β相关疾病提供帮助。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway is involved in many cellular processes ranging from proliferation, differentiation, development, and programmed cell death. Disruption of this pathway can result in a variety of diseases and is often an early step in the progression of cancers. The TGF-beta signaling pathway is highly conserved and is required in worms, flies, frogs, mice, and men. Since these growth factors work similarly in all of these organisms, what we learn about their function in simpler organisms should be relevant in other species, including humans. In this research project, I propose to explore the role of lon-2, a gene in C. elegans (a nematode worm), in the TGF-beta signaling pathway and its mechanism of action. My studies in this model organism should contribute to a better understanding of the signaling pathway in general and may provide for human therapies for TGF-beta-related diseases.