Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of evolutionary conserved proteins that mediate innate immune responses in mammals. TLRs have the ability to recognize specific molecular patterns associated with microbial components; this property allows the cell to detect potentially harmful bacteria. When activated, TLRs rapidly induce inflammation by recruiting specific adapter proteins to their intracellular TIR domains. Several adapter proteins have been identified which also contain this TIR motif arid can thus interact directly with the receptor to mediate inflammatory pathways. Recently, it has been demonstrated that in addition to inflammation, TLRs can also activate apoptosis. However, little else is known about this aspect of TLR signaling. This proposal aims to characterize pro-apoptotic signaling mediated by TLRs by using TLRs and its ligand flagellin as a model to identify TIR-containing adapter proteins which relay the signal. We will use in vitro biochemical and functional assays as well as genetically modified mice to characterize the roles of these proteins. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM075629-02
Application #
7129015
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F07 (20))
Program Officer
Marino, Pamela
Project Start
2005-09-01
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2006-09-01
Budget End
2007-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$48,796
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
066469933
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322