RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #18806 PROFILE

This project explores how small pieces of proteins that don't have a fixed shape (disordered proteins) control gene activity. Disordered proteins can change their interactions with other proteins when they are chemically modified, like through phosphorylation. Understanding these interactions could help us learn more about how genes are regulated and how disruptions in this process contribute to diseases like cancer.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

Disordered proteins are essential regulators of cellular function.

In particular, they regulate the transcription of genes.

In this project we want to understand how disordered proteins involved in gene regulation interact with each other and how their interactions are modulated.

Disordered proteins are often modified by the attachment of chemical groups, for example via phosphorylation.

This addition of a negatively charged phosphoryl group can change how they interact with binding partners, for example favoring binding to a positively charged partner and disfavoring binding to a negatively charged or hydrophobic binding site.

In this project we look specifically at small fragments of disordered proteins to understand how phosphorylation mediates their interactions.

In subsequent projects we will look at larger fragments or even full-length disordered proteins.

Our research may help to better understand the diverse functions of disordered proteins in regulating genes -- a starting point for understanding the dysregulation of disordered proteins, which is implicated in the development of age-related diseases such as cancer.

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proteins

Large biomolecules essential for various cellular functions.

Proteins are complex molecules that perform many critical tasks within cells. They act as enzymes, structural components, hormones, and transporters, among other roles. Their diverse functions are crucial for life processes.

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transcription

The process of copying DNA into RNA.

Transcription is the first step in gene expression. It involves making an RNA copy of a specific DNA sequence. This RNA molecule then serves as a template for protein synthesis.

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phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule.

Phosphorylation is a common chemical modification that regulates protein activity. Adding a phosphate group can alter a protein's shape and function, turning it on or off.

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binding

The process of molecules attaching to each other.

Binding refers to the interaction between two or more molecules. This can involve weak attractions like hydrogen bonds or stronger forces like covalent bonds.

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cancer

Uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth and spread of cells. It can affect any part of the body and arises from mutations in DNA that control cell division.