Cystic fibrosis is a devastating, chronic, progressive, and frequently fatal genetic disease that is particularly manifest in the lungs. The major cause is an abnormality in ion transport across cell membranes by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR is the dominant chloride ion transporter in several epithelial tissues. Two adapter proteins-Na+/H+ exchanger regulator factor (NHERF) and ezrin-regulate the cell surface concentrations of CFTR, organize the macromolecular interactions of CFTR with a network of signaling proteins for efficient transduction, and ultimately control the strength of chloride ion transport. The goal of this research is to determine the molecular mechanisms by which adapter proteins work in coordination to regulate the macromolecular assembly of CFTR. The central hypothesis to be tested is that NHERF is a signal transducer whose specific intra-molecular interactions, which are modulated by ezrin, control the ability of NHERF to assemble CFTR. By studying the architecture, energetics, and dynamics of the formation of CFTR macromolecular complexes assembled by multivalent adapter proteins, this research will provide a quantitative analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which adapter proteins interact to assembly CFTR channels. A molecular understanding of the macromolecular interactions with CFTR is an essential element for developing a therapeutic strategy for the cure of cystic fibrosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL086496-05
Application #
8102031
Study Section
Macromolecular Structure and Function B Study Section (MSFB)
Program Officer
Banks-Schlegel, Susan P
Project Start
2007-07-15
Project End
2013-06-30
Budget Start
2011-07-01
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$344,250
Indirect Cost
Name
City College of New York
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
603503991
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10031
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