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Cell morphogenesis - a functional genomic analysis using RNAi.

学友会セミナー

学友会セミナー

2004年開催 学友会セミナー

開催日時: 平成16年5月25日( 火 )10:00~11:00
開催場所: アムジェンホール大会議室
講  師: Dr Buzz Baum
所  属: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University College London
国  名: UK
演  題: Cell morphogenesis - a functional genomic analysis using RNAi.
概  要:

Actin filaments order cellular space and help generate the forces required for such diverse activities as migration and tissue morphogenesis. Whilst many of the genes regulating actin dynamics have been identified and characterised in biochemical systems, little is known about the temporal and spatial regulation of actin filament organisation in vivo. The addition of double-stranded RNA to the medium of Drosophila cells in culture reduces or eliminates the expression of target genes by dsRNA-mediated interference (RNAi), efficiently phenocopying loss-of-function mutations. RNAi is therefore an ideal tool with which to assign morphogenetic functions to genes identified by genomic sequencing. We are conducting systematic RNAi screens in Drosophila cells in culture to identify the genes and pathways that regulate specific actin-dependent morphogenetic events. By grouping genes based on their RNAi-induced phenotype, and by carrying out RNAi modifier screens, we are able to delineate signalling pathways which modulate specific actin-based cellular behaviours. Our preliminary studies identified a set of genes including Abi that act together with SCAR to generate both lamellipodia and filopodia. Given the evolutionary conservation of actin-regulatory genes, we hope to use Drosophila to identify novel genes and pathways which also govern cell and tissue morphogenesis in humans, some of which may prove to be useful targets for cancer therapy.

世 話 人: ○竹縄 忠臣、三木 裕明