Investigation of Cell growth signaling via mTOR using RNAi Technology

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Claudia Bürger
• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2005 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5450500

Tumorigenesis is a multi-step process in which cells escape their regulatory constraints on proliferation and cell growth. The mTOR signaling pathway is a molecular cascade that is thought to control cell growth and is frequently deregulated in many human cancers. The aim of this project is to understand the molecular mechanism underlying deregulated cell growth control. I propose to generate and use reagents that will enable full physical and temporal control over a novel protein, called Rheb, which was recently identified as a link between growth factor and mitogen induced proliferation and mTOR dependent cell growth control. By using non-functional variants or knockdown of Rheb via RNA interference technology, I will investigate its role within the signaling pathway and in governing cell growth and proliferation. A genome-wide RNA interference based screen will be performed to identify novel components of this pathway. Proposed research will provide new insights into mTOR signaling and regulation of protein synthesis, which will be instrumental in the rational design of molecular therapeutics directed against tumors associated with deregulation of this pathway.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships