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Research Description:
My group is interested in understanding regulatory mechanisms controlling cell migration, including how tumor cells gain the capacity to migrate during metastasis. Through the examination of normal developmental cell migration, as well as a model of tumor cell metastasis in Drosophila, we are characterizing the functions of the integrin family of transmembrane receptors in directing cell movement. Of particular interest is a molecular scaffolding protein called PINCH, which physically associates with integrins, as well as several additional protein partners that impinge upon distinct signaling cascades. Our work will provide a molecular understanding of how protein-protein interactions mediated by molecular scaffolds such as PINCH, integrate signals between multiple pathways to coordinate complex biological processes like cell migration.
Research Keywords:
Integrins, cell migration, signal integration, molecular scaffolds, Drosophila