The overarching goal of this competing renewal grant is the elucidation of signaling pathways and the mechanisms by which cells elicit selective responses to changes in their environment. Intracellular signaling pathways, such as inositol phosphate (IP) messengers, are key regulators of biology and inborn errors in IP networks result in disease. Over eighty genes are dedicated to the synthesis and breakdown of IP messengers. While much is know about IP metabolism, less information is available as to how the ensemble of dozens of IP molecules are decoded: that is, what are the receptors and how does IP binding alter their function? Our laboratory has developed a new method for identifying decoders of IP signals and has made a key discovery that inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) is a structurally bound component and regulator of several members of the ancient family of N-terminal acetyltransferases, known as NATs. The focus of this proposal is to rigorously define the mechanisms by which IP6 and other metabolites influence NAT structure and function, and ultimately alter protein N-terminal acetylation in normal and disease cellular states. The work outlined in this proposal will contribute fundamental insights into how cells use lipid-derived inositol messengers to enhance regulation, specificity and complexity of signaling biology.

Public Health Relevance

Our proposal seeks to elucidate lipid-derived inositol phosphate cellular signal transduction pathways. We have identified a ground-breaking role for inositol hexakisphosphate in the regulation of amino-terminal protein acetylation. Understanding inositol phosphate messengers and how they are decoded by cellular machines will provide fundamental insights into human cell biology, disease pathophysiology and improve public health through basic science research.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM124404-04
Application #
9927656
Study Section
Membrane Biology and Protein Processing Study Section (MBPP)
Program Officer
Barski, Oleg
Project Start
2017-09-01
Project End
2021-05-31
Budget Start
2020-06-01
Budget End
2021-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
965717143
City
Nashville
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37203
Dovey, Cole M; Diep, Jonathan; Clarke, Bradley P et al. (2018) MLKL Requires the Inositol Phosphate Code to Execute Necroptosis. Mol Cell 70:936-948.e7