Research groups

Research

We perform research in order to understand how certain types of cell are able to move around the body. Cell migration is essential for the development of embryos, and the body's ability to fight infections. However, when is goes wrong, cell migration can contribute to numerous diseases including the spread of cancers. By understanding how cell migration is controlled in health and disease, we aim to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of pathological conditions.

The Cytoskeleton

Cells contain a dynamic framework of protein filaments called a cytoskeleton, which control cell shape and movement. This microscope image shows the cytoskeletal protein, actin, in red, and the cytoskeletal regulatory protein, WAVE2 in green. Migrating cells often polarise forming a broad protruding edge in the direction of travel (seen here on the right), and a narrow, contractile tail (the left). Understanding how regulatory proteins control co-ordinated changes in the shape of the cytoskeleton and cell movement is a key goal of our research.

Regulation of actin dynamics by WASP family proteins.

The cytoskeleton regulates several fundamental cellular processes including the control of cell shape, polarity, migration, and the coordination of signal transduction. Filamentous (F) actin is a major component of the cytoskeleton and combines with microtubules and the endo/exocytotic machinery to control many aspects of cellular architecture.

WASP and WAVE proteins play a key role in cytoskeletal regulation by stimulating the formation of new actin filaments in response to a variety of signals that lead to cell migration. We are investigating how these proteins are regulated and how they are able to generate the diverse array of actin structures found in eukaryotic cells. In particular, we and others have shown that phosphorylation of WASp and N-WASp plays a key role in regulating their function and are aiming to further elucidate the signalling networks that regulate these events and cellular processes such as migration and tumor metastasis.

Group

Chris Danson

Recent publications

Danson CM, Pocha SM, Bloomberg GB, Cory GO. (2007) Phosphorylation of WAVE2 by MAP kinases regulates persistent cell migration and polarity. J Cell Sci., 120: 4144-54.

Cory GO, Cullen PJ. (2007) Membrane curvature: the power of bananas, zeppelins and boomerangs. Curr Biol., 17: R455-7.

Cory GO, Cramer R, Blanchoin L, Ridley AJ. (2003) Phosphorylation of the WASP VCA domain increases its affinity for the Arp2/3 complex and enhances actin polymerization by WASp, Mol. Cell, May; 11(5): 1229-39.

Cory GO, Garg R, Cramer R, Ridley AJ. (2002) Phosphorylation of Tyrosine 291 Enhances the Ability of WASp to Stimulate Actin Polymerization and Filopodium Formation, J Biol Chem, 277: 45115-45121.