Interrogating the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway using Protein Interference.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Graduate School of Life Sciences
Abstract
This multi-disciplinary project will employ synthetic biology screens to identify novel regulators/inhibitors of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, a critical cell fate signalling pathway, using PhoreMost's protein interference (PROTEIN-i) screening technology. The ERK pathway normally promotes cell survival through ERK-catalysed phosphorylation of the pro-apoptotic protein BIMEL. The short form of BIM (BIMS) lacks these phosphorylation sites. This provides an opportunity to harness BIMS as an ERK-driven toxic gene, providing phenotypic selection for PROTEIN-I probes.
