Regulation of the ubiquitin-ligase complex APC/C by XErp1 (B01)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: from 2012 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 189682160

The overarching aim of this project is to understand how the interplay of posttranslational protein modifications and protein destruction regulates cell cycle progression. Specifically, we will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the arrest of immature Xenopus laevis oocytes in prophase of meiosis I and how hormone induces the release from this arrest. A particular focus will be on the ubiquitin ligase APC/C and the protein kinase PKA. Studies from different organisms indicate that the APC/C is important for the prophase-I arrest of immature oocytes. However, its precise function in maintaining the prophase-I arrest is not well understood. The activity of PKA seems also to be critical for the arrest of immature oocytes at prophase-I. However, the relevant targets and how PKA regulates their activities remains largely elusive. We expect that our studies will provide important insights into the mechanisms regulating the meiotic cell cycle and thereby broaden our general understanding of the mechanisms applied by biological systems to adapt the functionality of their proteome to specific needs.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 969: Chemical and Biological Principles of Cellular Proteostasis
• Applicant Institution: Universität Konstanz
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Thomas Mayer