Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Although much of the information in our cells is dedicated to carrying out the fundamental processes necessary for life, our cells also possess a natural pathway for committing suicide, referred to as apoptosis. Apoptosis can occur when the cell sustains irreparable DNA damage, and can be thought of as an altruistic decision - save the organism by sacrificing the one. Apoptosis is typically a "silent" event, and is not accompanied by the cell emitting any danger signals to immune cells, as might occur when a cell dies due to infection with a bacteria or virus. Indeed, apoptotic cell death that is not "silent" can result in disorders such as autoimmune disease. How apoptosis remains an immunologically silent event is not known. We have uncovered a cellular protein termed DYRK2 which is involved in promoting natural apoptosis while simultaneously diminishing the cells immune response. Thus, we have identified a protein involved in co-regulating these two processes. Our goal in this application is to further elucidate how the process occurs, which will provide novel insight into this fundamental process.