Mitotic Regulation Research Laboratory
UNDERSTANDING MITOSIS
Cell proliferation is the basis for development of tissues and organs. During mitosis a cell divides in to two newly formed genetically identical cells. Our main research interest is understanding the regulation of cell division, focusing on an E3 ligase called the Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C). Although its mechanism of action and its atomic structure are well studied, there are still some open questions. We are interested in the complex formed by the proteins MAD2L2-CDH1 and its inhibitory effect on APC/C activation. Understanding the MAD2L2 mechanism of action may help design and develop specific drugs for inhibiting APC/C in cancer cells.
In addition, MAD2L2 is over expressed in several types of cancer. We are exploring the link between APC/C dis-regulation and MAD2L2 expression in breast cancer cells, to try and identify early events that could cause abnormal mitosis.
RESEARCH
Mapping MAD2L2-CDH1 interaction, Using Immunoprecipitation of various CDH1 and MAD2L2 mutants, are trying to map their interaction and study the effect on cell growth.
Characterizing mitosis in triple negative breast cancer cell lines, expressing high levels of MAD2L2.
Studying new partners of MAD2L2 and the their binding regulation