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

描述（由申请人提供）： 转化生长因子-β（TGF-β）信号传导途径参与许多细胞过程，包括增殖、分化、发育和程序性细胞死亡。这一途径的破坏可能导致各种疾病，并且通常是癌症进展的早期步骤。TGF-β信号通路是高度保守的，并且在蠕虫、苍蝇、青蛙、小鼠和人中是必需的。由于这些生长因子在所有这些生物体中的作用相似，我们在简单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有关。在本研究项目中，我打算探索lon-2基因在C. elegans（一种线虫），在TGF-β信号通路及其作用机制。我在这种模式生物中的研究应该有助于更好地理解一般的信号通路，并可能为TGF-β相关疾病的人类治疗提供帮助。

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.