Grant: Operating Grant

In this proposal we will study the modes of intercellular communication among cells of the immune system and explore the roles of gap junction proteins. The immune system is an important avenue of protection against invading pathogens. The proper regulation of this system is key. Dysfunction and blocks in normal developmental processes can lead to infection, immune disorders, as well as cancers of the immune system, including lymphomas, leukemias and myelomas. The gap junction proteins form pores or channels in cell membranes and facilitate the transfer of material from cell to cell and the exchange of material from the cell with the environment. Importantly these proteins are associated with tumor suppression and it has been proposed to use them as markers for tumor status in other types of tumors. Recent evidence has highlighted the importance of gap junction proteins in regulating cell shape and cell movement, important processes involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. Thus a better understanding of how gap junction proteins work will help us understand the fundamental mechanisms used to regulate these channel proteins during development, as well as insight into how they can influence the formation and spread of cancer cells.