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. Human cancers often require mutations in genes called proto-oncogenes which mutate to oncogenes (or cancer genes). A subset of proto-oncogenes comprise the RAS signal transduction pathway. Vulval development in the nematode worm C. elegans is controlled by a RAS signal transduction pathway. C. elegans has proven to be a powerful model system for under- standing regulation of the RAS pathway. This research studies two novel components of the RAS pathway in C. elegans, sur-2 and sur-9. A novel gene has been identified that may physically interact with sur-2. In addition, a second novel gene, sur-9, is in the process of being cloned to facilitate further analysis of its function in the RAS signal transduction pathway. These studies will improve our understanding of mitogenic signaling and may eventually lead to the design of novel cancer therapeutic agents which target control proteins in the RAS pathway.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381285
Entities
People
- Andrew G. Spencer
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder