Grant: Operating Grant

The proper development of an organ requires the coordination of two distinct sets of instructions or signals. One signal, exemplified by a family of proteins called Wnts, is important for establishing the type of cell that is formed and its function. Disruptions in Wnt signalling are associated with colorectal, breast and other cancers. Equally important are signals, like those of the Hippo pathway, that indicate when there are enough cells present and that the tissue has reached an appropriate size. These distinct types of signals must cooperate and disruption of either signal leads to defects in development or cancer. Using a novel highthroughput, robotics-based screening method we developed, we identified a protein that is key in coordinating the activities of these two pathways. Here we propose to gain a molecular understanding of how the talk between these two pathways occurs and establish what aspects of this communication promotes tumorigenesis. This work will suggest novel approaches to therapeutic intervention.