Leeds Cancer Cell Biology Group
Current research
EB1 is a member of a highly conserved family of microtubule-associated proteins. It interacts with microtubules, the dynactin subunit p150glued and the APC tumour suppressor protein. The budding yeast EB1 orthologue participates in a late mitotic checkpoint and its mutation can lead to defective segregation of chromosomes between daughter cells. This type of genetic instability is a feature of many human cancers including those caused by APC mutation. Understanding the function of EB1 should therefore give us important insights into how cells ensure the fidelity of chromosomal transmission during normal cell division and how these mechanisms are circumvented in cancer. To achieve this aim we are investigating the properties of a series of defined EB1 mutant proteins in vitro and within cells. Initial studies suggest that the EB1/p150glued interaction plays a fundamental role in microtubule organisation within cells. Studies on the EB1/APC interaction are also producing promising results.
Future projects
Studies on the functional significance of the known EB1 interactions are ongoing. We wish to refine our understanding of the interactions between EB1 and its binding partners using a variety of in vitro techniques. We are also extending our work to include the other human EB1 family members in an attempt to define any functional redundancy between family members. In addition we are developing strategies that will allow us to specifically inhibit the interaction between EB1 and each of its protein partners without affecting its other interactions. These strategies should allow us to dissect the specific functions of EB1 in living cells during both interphase and mitosis.
