Our work focuses on the molecular events involved in malignant transformation and the control of cellular proliferation. Normal cells often cease division under conditions in which malignant cells continue to divide. A major goal of our work is the description of the biochemical pathways that lead nonproliferating cells to proceed through the cell cycle. Thus, the stimulation of cell division by growth factors, by tumor-promoting phorbol esters, or by the expression of transforming gene products is under study. Many of the key proteins that participate in the early steps are located in the plasma membrane or cytoplasm of the cell. We are attempting to determine the nature of the signals transmitted to the nucleus that result in cell division. Reversible protein phosphorylation appears to be important in regulating some of these early biochemical events. Therefore, the potentially relevant protein kinases, phosphoprotein phosphatases, and their substrates are purified and characterized.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Unknown (R35)
Project #
2R35CA042580-08
Application #
3479461
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SRC (88))
Project Start
1986-07-01
Project End
2000-06-30
Budget Start
1993-07-01
Budget End
1994-06-30
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
071723621
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02138
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Alessandrini, A; Chiaur, D S; Pagano, M (1997) Regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 by degradation and phosphorylation. Leukemia 11:342-5
Alessandrini, A; Brott, B K; Erikson, R L (1997) Differential expression of MEK1 and MEK2 during mouse development. Cell Growth Differ 8:505-11

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