The Cell Cycle Regulation in Eukaryotes group is a basic research group that has been working for years in one of the most interesting areas of Molecular and Cellular Biology: cell cycle control and in particular, the mechanisms of DNA integrity checkpoint, a process directly related to the development of cancer. As a result of this work, the control of the genomic integrity checkpoint by protein kinase C (PKC) has been characterised in recent years. In addition, the group is studying the characterisation of new mechanisms to control the function of cell cycle regulators such as cyclins or transcriptional factors. Our group has recently characterised an important new regulator in the Start transition: Whi7. Whi7 acts as a transcriptional repressor of the Start programme, collaborating with Whi5 in this function, so that, as in mammals with the Rb family, the control of cell cycle initiation depends on the interplay between different repressors. The fact that a member of the Rb family is mutated in almost all tumours further reinforces the importance of studying the role of these G1 repressors. In addition, the relationship between Whi7 and the protein kinase C pathway is being investigated.
Study of: Mechanisms of cell cycle regulation. Characterisation of the transcriptional repressor of Start Whi7. Role of PKC in the DNA integrity checkpoint.
- Start Whi7 Repressor Characterisation
Our group has characterised a new important regulator of the Start transition: Whi7. Whi7 acts as a transcriptional repressor of the Start programme, collaborating with Whi5 in this function. So that, as occurs in mammals with the Rb family, the control of cell cycle initiation depends on the interplay between different repressors. The group's work aims to advance in the characterisation of the regulation and function of Whi7 and its comparison with Whi5 in different physiological conditions, which may help to understand how the action of different repressors is coordinated in the control of cell cycle initiation. In addition, the relationship between Whi7 and the protein kinase C pathway is being investigated. The fact that a member of the Rb family is mutated in almost all tumours further reinforces the importance of studying the role of these G1 repressors.
- Characterisation of the Start repressor Whi7
Our group has characterised a new important regulator of the Start transition: Whi7. Whi7 acts as a transcriptional repressor of the Start programme, collaborating with Whi5 in this function, so that, as occurs in mammals with the Rb family, the control of cell cycle initiation depends on the interplay between different repressors. The group's work aims to advance in the characterisation of the regulation and function of Whi7 and its comparison with Whi5 in different physiological conditions, which may help to understand how the action of different repressors is coordinated in the control of cell cycle initiation. In addition, the relationship between Whi7 and the protein kinase C pathway is being investigated. The fact that a member of the Rb family is mutated in almost all tumours further reinforces the importance of studying the role of these G1 repressors.
- Control of DNA integrity checkpoint by protein kinase C
Yeast Pkc1 and the mammalian PKCd isoform share the same function of controlling the genomic integrity checkpoint. A parallel study in both organisms is proposed to characterise the molecular keys to this mechanism.
- Control of DNA integrity checkpoint by protein kinase C
Yeast Pkc1 and the mammalian PKCd isoform share the same function of controlling the genomic integrity checkpoint. A parallel study in both organisms is proposed to characterise the molecular keys to this mechanism.
- New mechanisms of control of other cell cycle regulators
The group's work also focuses on the study of spatial regulatory mechanisms in cell cycle control, mechanisms that involve the control of the sub-cellular localisation of key proteins for progression in the cycle. In particular, the role of karyopherin Msn5 in the control of transcription factors (Swi6, Swi4, Mbp1, Swi1, Whi5) as well as Start cyclins (Cln1, Cln2) has been studied. Furthermore, determinants of cyclin functional specificity and the identification of new mechanisms controlling cyclin synthesis and degradation (Cln2, Clb2) are investigated.
- New mechanisms of control of other cell cycle regulators
The group's work also focuses on the study of spatial regulatory mechanisms in cell cycle control, mechanisms that involve the control of the subcellular localisation of key proteins for cell cycle progression. In particular, the role of the karyopherin Msn5 in the control of transcription factors (Swi6, Swi4, Mbp1, Swi5, Whi5) as well as Start cyclins (Cln1, Cln2) has been studied. Furthermore, determinants of cyclin functional specificity and the identification of new mechanisms controlling cyclin synthesis and degradation (Cln2, Clb2) are investigated.
- IGUAL GARCIA, JUAN CARLOS
- PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
- BAÑO ARACIL, MARIA DEL CARMEN
- PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
- GOMAR ALBA, MERCE
- Alumn.-Servei de Formacio Permanent
- SANMARTIN JIMENEZ, ONOFRE
- PDI-Associat/Da Universitari/A
Burjassot/Paterna Campus
C/ Doctor Moliner, 50
46100 Burjassot (Valencia)
- IGUAL GARCIA, JUAN CARLOS
- PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
