Molecular Interactions Of The Tetraspanins CD37, TSSC6 And CD151 In T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,575.00
Summary
The tetraspanins are a new type of protein that are found at the surface of cells. Cells of the immune system, such as white blood cells, display at their surface, up to 20 different tetraspanin proteins. However, the precise contributions of these tetraspanin proteins to immunity is still not clear, nor is it clear exactly how tetraspanin proteins differ from one another and why white blood cells need to display so many different tetraspanins. Using genetic technology we have created mice which ....The tetraspanins are a new type of protein that are found at the surface of cells. Cells of the immune system, such as white blood cells, display at their surface, up to 20 different tetraspanin proteins. However, the precise contributions of these tetraspanin proteins to immunity is still not clear, nor is it clear exactly how tetraspanin proteins differ from one another and why white blood cells need to display so many different tetraspanins. Using genetic technology we have created mice which are unable to express certain individual tetraspanin proteins at their cell surface. Excitingly, the immune systems of these mice are not normal, in particular one type of white blood cell, the T cell responds in an exaggerated manner to stimulation. These results suggest a role for tetraspanins in the control and regulation of the immune system. This project will extend these results and work out the precise molecular mechanism by which the tetraspanins exert this control. In the future, a full understanding of how tetraspanins control T cells may ultimately lead to novel ways of controlling the immune system.Read moreRead less
Role Of The Tetraspanin CD151 In Epithelial Biology And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,500.00
Summary
A cell surface protein identified in this laboratory has been linked to cancer progression and metastasis. This project aims to examine the molecular basis of the action of the protein in regulating cell migration, and to establish model systems to provide definitive evidence as to its role in the development and progression of cancer. The models will also provide systems for future studies to evaluate the potential of antibodies and other inhibitors of the action of this protein as therapeutics ....A cell surface protein identified in this laboratory has been linked to cancer progression and metastasis. This project aims to examine the molecular basis of the action of the protein in regulating cell migration, and to establish model systems to provide definitive evidence as to its role in the development and progression of cancer. The models will also provide systems for future studies to evaluate the potential of antibodies and other inhibitors of the action of this protein as therapeutics in a range of human cancers.Read moreRead less