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Abstract

Grant Number: 1U54RR020839-01
Project Title: Networks and Pathways of Lysine Modification (RMI)
PI Information:NameEmailTitle
BOEKE, JEF D. jboeke@orion1.bs.jhmi.edu PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Protein modification on histone lysines is critical for controlling gene expression, which itself controls the incredibly variable and plastic expression of the proteome in diverse cell types. Modifications on lysine are chemically diverse and include acetylation, methylation, ubiquitylation and sumoylation. Increasingly, acetyl- and methyl-lysines are being discovered in a host of other proteins, only some of which directly control gene expression. Ubiquitylation controls the life and death of most proteins, as well as many other diverse protein functions. Remarkably, the pathways regulating the interplay between these diverse modifications on lysines have been very little studied. The network of these modification pathways is very poorly understood indeed; many lysine-modifying proteins are encoded by multi-gene families, with redundant activities, and have multiple substrates. Thus genetic and computational approaches for decrypting such redundancy are needed to dissect the complex networks defined by these signaling pathways. This proposal combines such techniques with a new and innovative proteomics technology, protein microarrays, and a new affinity ligand technology for identifying novel acetyltransferases. These newer approaches will be complemented in this Technology Center for Networks and Pathways by a heavy emphasis on the development and application of innovative mass spectrometry technologies, including sensitive technologies for quantifying dynamics of lysine modification in cells. Dissecting how lysine modifications change in response to biological stimuli is in its infancy largely because sensitive and robust experimental techniques for quantifying protein modification are needed and will be developed here. A unique instrumentation system aimed at profiling lysine modification in single cells will be developed, which will open a whole new world of single-cell profiling to examine the epigenetic changes that occur in individual cells as they develop, as they age, or as cancer progresses. Diverse Driving Biological Projects centered on lysine acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitylation, as well as Training and Technology Dissemination efforts, are extensively integrated with the Technology Development components of the proposal. Because lysine modification is intertwined with human health, aging and disease at many levels, these technologies could have far reaching effects.

Public Health Relevance:
This Public Health Relevance is not available.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical resource, gene expression, gene expression profiling, lysine, peptide chemical synthesis, protein engineering, proteomics, technology /technique development
cooperative study, genetic mapping, method development, posttranslational modification
bioengineering /biomedical engineering, microarray technology

Institution: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
W400 Wyman Park Building
BALTIMORE, MD 212182680
Fiscal Year: 2004
Department: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS
Project Start: 30-SEP-2004
Project End: 31-JUL-2009
ICD: NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES
IRG: ZRG1


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