Cell polarity is essential for cell morphogenesis, cell migration, and for normal tissue architecture. It involves the dynamic coordination of many cellular processes such as cytoskeletal polymerization, protein synthesis and membrane trafficking. Although substantial progress has been made in our understanding of cell morphogenesis, many of the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are still unknown. The long-term goal of our laboratory is to understand the cellular functions that govern cell shape, and in particular the signaling networks that coordinate cell polarity with cell growth. The conserved NDR kinase plays a key role in the control of cell morphology and cell proliferation in several organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Currently, there is a very limited understanding of the cellular functions of this conserved kinase and of its targets in the control of cell morphogenesis. We have recently discovered a role for the fission yeast NDR kinase Orb6 in the spatial control of Cdc42 GTPase, a key morphology control factor. Using both hypothesis-driven studies as well as genomic-scale and proteomic approaches; we will dissect the function of Orb6 kinase and identify its targets in the control of cell morphogenesis. The objective of this project is to define the mechanisms whereby NDR kinase spatially regulates cell shape.

Public Health Relevance

Loss of cell polarity and disruption of tissue architecture is a common histological feature in cancer, and emerging evidence is revealing a key role of cell polarity control pathways in the alteration of tissue organization during tumorigenesis. The results of this research project will provide insight into a novel signaling pathway with a conserved function in the control of cell morphogenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM095867-05
Application #
8918665
Study Section
Cellular Signaling and Regulatory Systems Study Section (CSRS)
Program Officer
Maas, Stefan
Project Start
2011-09-01
Project End
2016-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-01
Budget End
2016-08-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Miami School of Medicine
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
052780918
City
Coral Gables
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33146
Nuñez, Illyce; Rodriguez Pino, Marbelys; Wiley, David J et al. (2016) Spatial control of translation repression and polarized growth by conserved NDR kinase Orb6 and RNA-binding protein Sts5. Elife 5:
Das, Maitreyi; Nuñez, Illyce; Rodriguez, Marbelys et al. (2015) Phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of Cdc42 GEF Gef1 by 14-3-3 protein Rad24 spatially regulates Cdc42 GTPase activity and oscillatory dynamics during cell morphogenesis. Mol Biol Cell 26:3520-34
Das, Maitreyi; Verde, Fulvia (2013) Role of Cdc42 dynamics in the control of fission yeast cell polarization. Biochem Soc Trans 41:1745-9
Das, Maitreyi; Drake, Tyler; Wiley, David J et al. (2012) Oscillatory dynamics of Cdc42 GTPase in the control of polarized growth. Science 337:239-43