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Cell Biology Group

Nuclear Protein Physiology

Anton M. Jetten, Ph.D.
Anton M. Jetten, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator



Tel (919) 541-2768
Fax (919) 541-4133
jetten@niehs.nih.gov

P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop D2-01
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Delivery Instructions

Research Summary

The Cell Biology Group studies the physiological functions of three nuclear proteins: retinoid-related orphan receptors (RORs), the Krüppel-like zinc finger proteins Glis-similar (Glis) and the receptor-associated protein 80 (RAP80). By studying their roles in several major human diseases, including asthma, chronic kidney disease, fibrosis, diabetes and cancer, the group hopes to obtain greater insights into the etiology of these diseases and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for these illnesses.

The Cell Biology Group studies the mechanism of action and physiological function of the ROR nuclear receptors, the Krüppel-like zinc finger proteins Gli1-3 and the ubiquitin-interacting motif containing protein RAP80. In addition, the roles of these proteins in cancer, inflammatory disease, diabetes and renal disease are being investigated. Study of these proteins might lead to new therapeutic strategies.
An overview of the studies conducted by the members of Cell Biology.

The Cell Biology Group identified several nuclear proteins, including RORγ, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, the Krüppel-like zinc finger proteins Glis1-3, and RAP80, a ubiquitin interacting motif containing protein. Recent studies established a role for RORγ in the regulation of lymph node development, lung inflammation, thymopoiesis, the generation of mature T cells and metabolism of xenobiotics. In addition, the group has established a role for Glis2 in the development of chronic kidney disease and fibrosis, and implicated Glis3 in the development of diabetes and polycystic kidney disease. RAP80 plays an important role in the modulation of estrogen receptor function, DNA repair, and tumorigenesis.

Major areas of research:

  • Regulation of the adaptive immune response in lung
  • Regulation of steroid, bile and xenobiotic metabolism
  • Regulation of DNA repair and cancer
  • Regulation of pancreatic development and diabetes mellitus
  • Development of chronic kidney disease including renal fibrosis, nephropathy, and polycystic kidney disease

Current projects:

Anton M. Jetten, Ph.D., head of the Cell Biology Group and Deputy Chief of the Laboratory of Respiratory Biology, obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and completed postdoctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

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Last Reviewed: January 29, 2008