Dynamics Of Strand-Crossover Formation In Cadherin

University Of Mississippi, University MS

Investigators

Abstract

Lay Abstract MCB-0950494 Dynamics of Strand-Crossover Formation in Cadherin Pedigo, Susan Intellectual merit: Cadherins are proteins that protrude from the surface of cells and interact with identical proteins on neighboring cells to form adhesions between cells. These protein-protein interactions between cadherins on opposing cells lead to solid tissue formation. Such interactions are critical during normal processes such as development and tissue maintenance, and also during abnormal processes such a cancer. Neural-cadherins are found primarily in brain tissue. Epithelial cadherins are found primarily in epithelial cells. These two proteins are very close relatives, but must have some difference that makes them suited for their particular tissue type. The goal of this project is to investigate the differences in the protein-protein interactions in neural- and epithelial-cadherins that lead to their segregation into particular tissues. Recently, this laboratory has observed a very striking difference between these two proteins. Preliminary results indicate that the protein-protein interaction between neural-cadherins is very slow to dissociate while that between epithelial-cadherins dissociates quickly. This difference in assembly dynamics is so striking that it may explain the segregation of these two proteins into distinct physiological niches. Experiments proposed here elaborate this basic observation by studying the details of how the interactions occur and the factors that contribute to the difference in the dynamics of the interactions. The project will investigate the protein-protein interactions in solution and in single-molecule studies using fluorescence techniques. Broader impacts. The experiments proposed here require the collaborative efforts and the diverse skills of the Pedigo and Hammer laboratories. The laboratories will use a wide range of experimental approaches that will expose students to diverse disciplines in chemistry. Training undergraduate and graduate students is critical to the research efforts of this project. The project will involve three graduate students as the core of the research team and a number of undergraduates through the Honors College and summer research internship programs at this university. The plan is to continue involvement in local and regional science education through visits of groups to the university, visits of students and faculty to elementary schools and participation in the science fairs.