Requirements for GSK3 and lamellipodin in mammalian neural crest cell migration

The overall goal of this investigation is to determine the cellular and biochemical role(s) for glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in the regulation of neural crest cell migration. Our specific hypothesis is that GSK3 activity controls the formation or perdurance of lamellipodia in migrating neural crest cells, and that this regulation may be via a direct phosphorylation of lamellipodin (Lpd) protein. The specific aims are as follows:

To analyse the requirements for GSK3 kinase activity in migrating neural crest cells.

To determine whether GSK3 directly interacts with and phosphorylates Lpd protein.

To identify the genetic requirements for lamellipodin protein in the regulation of actin dynamics in mammalian neural crest migration.