The aim of this project is to identify changes in membrane trafficking, resulting from the disruption of microtubule-based motility in lacrimal acinar gland cells. Microtubules (MTs) are ubiquitous constituents of eukaryotic cells and serve a variety of functions, such as membrane trafficking, endocytosis, and secretion. It is our hypothesis that MTs facilitate stimulated secretion in lacrimal acini by supporting movement of secretory vesicles to the apical plasma membrane (APM). This MT-based transport could be facilitated by cytoplasmic dynein, a minus-end directed MT-motor protein. We will test this hypothesis by introducing function-blocking antibodies into the acini and analyzing the changes in membrane traffic by confocal fluorescence and electron microscopy. It is hoped that elucidating basic features by lacrimal gland physiology will facilitate a better understanding of the mechanism underlying lacrimal insufficiency, a major contributor to ocular morbidity.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31EY007037-02
Application #
6342598
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ALTX-4 (03))
Program Officer
Fisher, Richard S
Project Start
2001-01-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-01-01
Budget End
2001-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$23,140
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
041544081
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90089