Grant: Operating Grant

All cells must respond and adapt to a changing environment. Each cell must sense what is changing and then make appropriate alterations to maintain function and viability. Most cells in the body contain a nucleus. The nucleus is the storehouse in the cell for its genetic material (DNA). It is essential for cell survival and function that these genes are expressed in coordination with the needs of the cell. Proteins move in and out of the nucleus in a regulated fashion through special channels. These proteins then initiate and control gene expression. This process appears critical when cells divide and grow. Our proposed study will examine how protein transport through these channels is controlled at a molecular level. The more we understand how this process is regulated, the more we will learn about what factors regulate cell division and growth. Accelerated cell division and growth are hallmark features of cancer and heart disease. Our data, therefore, will be of great importance in advancing our knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of these two critical diseases.