Extracellular signal transduction effects morphology, migration and fate specification of cells during metazoan development and homeostasis. The highly conserved Wnt signaling pathway is instrumental in diverse processes such as embryonic axis formation and prevention of tumorigenesis. In the canonical Wnt pathway, ligand activation of receptors causes cytoplasmic accumulation and translocation of the Beta- catenin transcription factor. Nuclear Beta-catenin interacts with TCF/LEF, and activates transcription of specific target genes. In C. elegans this leads to the formation of the hermaphrodite vulva and possibly ventral cord neuron cell identity. Using this model organism and microarray analysis I will identify Beta- catenin targets and characterize Wnt pathway directed cell fate specification. Target candidates will be analyzed for consensus promoter elements, in situ expression patterns, and mutant phenotypes. This study will increase our understanding of Wnt signaling effects on differential gene expression and cell fate specification. Increased knowledge of cell fate specification mechanisms will aid in the development of preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic treatments of defective cellular differentiation and development. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31GM077099-01
Application #
7062225
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-GGG-G (29))
Program Officer
Gaillard, Shawn R
Project Start
2006-02-05
Project End
2010-02-04
Budget Start
2006-02-05
Budget End
2007-02-04
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$31,389
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Maryland Balt CO Campus
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
061364808
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21250