Characterization of sur-2, a Novel Ras-Mediated Signal Transduction Component in C. elegans.
Abstract
Alterations in the cellular genome affecting the expression or function of genes controlling cell growth or differentiation are the mechanism underlying the genesis of all cancers. One avenue of cancer research studies the function of normal growth-control genes (proto-oncogenes), as well as their transformation into cancer genes (oncogenes). A subset of proto-oncogenes comprise the RAS signal transduction pathway. Vulval development in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans is controlled by a RAS signal transduction pathway. This research will identify novel components in this RAS pathway, as well as gain insight into how the pathway is regulated. The sur-2 gene, which encodes a large, novel protein, was identified by a screen for suppressors of activated RAS and determined to act downstream of RAS in the signaling pathway. This project studies the function, regulation and targets of sur-2 using both genetic and biochemical approaches. This information will improve our understanding of mitogenic signaling and may eventually lead to the design of novel cancer therapeutic agents which target control points in the RAS pathway.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA344739
Entities
People
- Edward Desjardins
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder