The control of cell signalling by membrane remodelling. Cells secrete signalling molecules called growth factors to drive critical developmental processes such as growth, differentiation and death. Th

Description

The control of cell signalling by membrane remodelling. Cells secrete signalling molecules called growth factors to drive critical developmental processes such as growth, differentiation and death. This project aims to understand a new mechanism that we have discovered for the control of growth factors by a protein family evolved to damage cell membranes. This is highly novel since the usual role of these proteins is to kill pathogens targeted by the immune system. By coupling innovative genetics, high-resolution imaging, and advanced biochemical analyses, this project intends to provide key molecular insights into how cell signalling can be regulated during animal development. We anticipate that this will impact our general understanding of membrane biology and its influence on cell signalling.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0604 - Genetics. Lead: A/Prof Travis Johnson