PURPOSE: In this project, we will use a combination of computational and experimental techniques to identify the role of p53 dynamics in the regulation of important cellular stress stresses. To measure the dynamics of downstream pathways, we will make use of a suite of complementary approaches described below to assay p53 activity in both cancerous and non-transformed cellular systems. We will use chemical and genetic perturbations to alter p53 dynamics and determine the effect on p53 target gene expression and cell fate. Using computational modeling, we will integrate these data with measurements of cellular outcomes to predict pathway behavior in response to specific perturbations. By allowing us to study emergent properties that are not evident at the level of smaller-scale interactions, this type of approach will provide novel strategies for manipulating biological circuit functions, as well as generate new ways to combat cancers in which p53 dynamics are dysregulated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1. Using synthetic biology approaches to control p53 dynamics: We will use synthetic biology approaches to perturb various characteristics of p53 dynamics (for example, p53 pulse amplitude, duration, and frequency), and determine the effect that such perturbations have on p53's transcriptional activity . 2. Identifying p53 target expression patterns based on p53 dynamics: We will probe the function of p53 dynamics in the regulation of the over 100 p53 targets at the level of single cells and in cell populations. Validation by more detailed studies of important targets will be performed using single-cell level analysis with fluorescent reporters, as well as immunofluorescent imaging and flow cytometry of fixed cells at key time points. 3. We are generating methods to create synthetic systems with desired expression patterns of novel targets driven by the endogenous p53 oscillator. Using this system, we are restoring cell death pathways in cancer cells that are mutated for proper apoptotic regulation. PROGRESS IN FY2017: 1. We have developed a novel synthetic method to control p53 localization, and as a consequence specific features of p53 dynamics. Using this system, we have observed differential regulation of specific p53 target genes. We are characterizing the impact of p53 dynamics on several important gene regulatory features, including the noise in gene expression. 2. We have extended the results from our previous work published in Cell Systems last year, moving from the analysis of p53 targets at the transcript level to analysis of protein expression dynamics of p53 targets, From these studies, we have identified and characterized expression dynamics for key mediators of several cell fate pathways regulated by p53. 3. We have successfully developed systems to regulate distinct expression patterns and cell fate outcomes through modulation of synthetic targets engineered to be activated by p53 oscillations.
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