Grantee Research Project Results
Raf kinase activity
EPA Grant Number: U914800Title: Raf kinase activity
Investigators: Reuther, Gary W.
Institution: Duke University Medical Center
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: January 1, 1995 through January 1, 1996
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Health , Academic Fellowships , Human Health
Objective:
The objectives of this research project are to: (1) examine the nature of the Raf-1 kinase (Raf)/serine kinase (cBcr) complex and its effect on Raf kinase activity; (2) investigate the nature of the Raf/cBcr complex; (3) determine if a kinase/substrate relationship exists between Raf and cBcr; (4) examine the effect of cBcr phosphorylation of 14-3-3 proteins on the ability of these 14-3-3 proteins to activate the Raf kinase; and (5) investigate the role of Raf in Bcr/Abelson (Abl) signaling. The cBcr protein is encoded by the Bcr gene. This gene was discovered by its presence in the Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome, which is the result of a chromosomal translocation fusing Bcr sequences to sequences of the Abl tyrosine kinase gene. This fusion leads to the synthesis of Bcr/Abl oncoproteins that are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous and acute lymphocytic leukemias. The Abl tyrosine kinase is constitutively active in this chimera, and this activity is required for the transforming capability of Bcr/Abl. The importance of the oligomerization domain, a tyrosine that when phosphorylated provides a binding site for the growth factor receptor-bound-2 (Grb-2) adaptor protein, and a region that interacts with 14-3-3 proteins and SH2 domains. Although these regions of Bcr are required for the full transforming capability of Bcr/Abl, their role in the normal function of cBcr is not known, because the biological function(s) of Bcr has remained elusive.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, Raf kinase activity, proteins, breakpoint cluster region gene, Bcr, tyrosine kinase gene, leukemias, phosphorylation., Health, Scientific Discipline, Biology, Disease & Cumulative Effects, Genetics, human health, oncoproteins, biological markers, genetic susceptibility, genotypes, molecular biology, microbiology, biomarkersProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.