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. C. elegans has proven to be a powerful model system for understanding regulation of the RAS pathway. This research studies two novel components in this RAS pathway. The sur-2 gene, which encodes a large, novel protein, was identified by a screen for suppressors of activated RAS. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, I have identified a novel protein which binds to SUR-2. My analysis of this protein is presented. I have also identified a second novel gene in the RAS suppressor screen, called sur-9. My phenotypic analysis, epistasis analysis, mapping and doning of sur-9 are presented. These studies 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, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA368524
Entities
People
- Edward Desjardins
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder