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Interaction partners for the GIMAP proteins

Lead Research Organisation: Babraham Institute
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Technical Summary

Studies of genetically-altered strains of rats and mice have demonstrated that genes of the GIMAP family play important roles in the development of mature lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) populations and possibly also in their homeostasis. In some cases, mutation of these genes can lead to autoimmunity e.g. type 1 diabetes; inflammatory bowel disease. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms of action of this family of proteins which is preferentially found in the immune system. Success in this direction could lead to novel therapeutic opportunities for the control of lymphocytes in autoimmunity or in the context of transplantation.

Planned Impact

unavailable

Publications

10 25 50
publication icon
Pascall JC (2013) The immune system GTPase GIMAP6 interacts with the Atg8 homologue GABARAPL2 and is recruited to autophagosomes. in PloS one

 
Description We discovered an interaction between GTPase GIMAP6 and the autophagy protein GABARAPL2. Reporting now in 2018 I can say that this finding provided an important lead for subsequent progress in understanding Gimap6 in particular and possibly in developing understanding of this protein family in general. After this discovery we pursued the idea that Gimap6 plays a role in autophagy by developing mouse models for the conditional knock-out of the Gimap6 gene. These studies (soon to be published) confirm our hypothesis and furthermore support a requirement for autophagy for lymphocyte health.
Exploitation Route This may provide a key lead in understanding the role of the GIMAP family of GTPases in lymphocyte homeostasis. Eventually they may lead to ways of manipulating lymphocyte function and stability.
Sectors Healthcare
 
Description We have been able to help and advise collaborators with an interest in the role of Gimaps in human medicine. This is so far a small impact but may grow with time.
First Year Of Impact 2012
Sector Healthcare
Impact Types Societal