How FADD connects TNF receptors to RIPK1 and RIPK3
Project type
Honours
| Supervisor(s) | Division | |
| (Primary) | Cell Signalling and Cell Death | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) |
Dr Kate Lawlor (Co-supervisor) |
Cell Signalling and Cell Death | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) |
Details of project
The cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) has many effects on different types of cells. Addition of TNF to some cells can cause them to kill themselves by at least two different mechanisms, one of which requires the protease caspase 8, and another that is caspase-independent, but involves members of the RIP kinase family.
To determine the roles played by TNF receptors, the adaptor molecule FADD, caspase 8, RIPK1 and RIPK3, we have developed cell lines from mice lacking genes for one or more of these proteins. This project will involve putting the wild-type or mutant forms of these genes back into the cells to determine how each of them act, and correlate their structure with their function.
Research interests
The Cell Signalling and Cell Death Division studies the molecular mechanisms by which cell death (apoptosis) is implemented and regulated.
Research theme
Cancer
Scientific discipline
- Molecular Biology
Keywords
apoptosis, necrosis, TNF, NF-kB caspase, FADD, RIP kinase