Protein Complexes and Cell Organelle Assembly Group at the MPIMG

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Most biological processes are mediated via protein complexes. Hence, to understand molecular events under normal physiological conditions, as well as in disease, it is necessary to identify and characterise the protein complexes involved.

It is the aim of our work to isolate native protein complexes, to identify their components, to characterise their function and structure. We have established a systematic platform for the isolation (via affinity-purification methods, e.g. Tandem affinity purification = TAP) of cell organelles and large protein complexes in their native form. The individual components of these complexes are identified using mass-spectrometry techniques (in collaboration with the MS group, MPI-MG). The function of the complexes is determined using an RNA interference (RNAi) screen and genetic methods.

The first large protein complex we isolated the centrosome from the early syncytial stages of the Drosophila embryo. We affinity purified this organelle and identified the majority of its components. Work is under way to biochemically and functionally characterise these proteins and their human homologues.

The second group of protein complexes we are studying are regulatory protein kinases, signalling molecules and their interacting partners. These complexes play a central role in cancer development. We are analysing the functinonal state of regulatory protein kinase complexes in cancer cells and cancer tissues. The molecular analysis of the events underlaying tumorigenesis will lead to development of novel approaches in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In the second area we have started a new project that aims at the characterisation of cancer mutations and their functional consequence on protein complex assembly and their contribution to tumorigenesis. The MUTANOM project involves a consortium of 11 different groups in the field of cancer research, functional genomics, proteomics, modelling and translational research. It the major aim of the project to develop predictive models for the clinical use of chemotherapeutics, assay environmental impact on diseases as well as for predicting disease progression in general. Is is our goal to translate our modelling approach and experimental results to the clinical sector/Public Health for improved prevention, diagnosis treatment and new drug target identification.

For more details click here:	Research Profile centrosome
	Research Profile signalling
	Fortschritte in der Zellteilung MUTANOM PROJECT

last updated: 22 June, 2009