DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Cancer Cell Biology

Research Abstract

My research concerns the regulation of the cell cycle, the nature of hte cytoskeleton, and mechanisms of early vertebrate development. In particular we are concerned with the role of proteolysis in the exit from mitosis and the checkpoint mechanisms at work there. We are also concerned with the role of proteolysis during the G1 period. We have used Xenopus eggs and extracts to dissect these mechanisms biochemically. In addition we have been interested in understanding how actin assembly is regulated by signal transduction mechanisms. Finally, we are trying to understand the early signaling and patterning events of the frog embryo and how these events lead to the establishment of the vertebrate body plan.

Publications

• Stegmeier F, Rape M, Draviam VM, Nalepa G, Sowa ME, Ang XL, McDonald ER, Li MZ, Hannon GJ, Sorger PK, Kirschner MW, Harper JW, Elledge SJ.Anaphase initiation is regulated by antagonistic ubiquitination and deubiquitination activities.Nature 2007 Apr 19;44
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• Zou H, McGarry TJ, Bernal T, Kirschner MW.Identification of a vertebrate sister-chromatid separation inhibitor involved in transformation and tumorigenesis.Science 1999 Jul 16;285(5426):418-22.
  10411507
• Rohatgi R, Ma L, Miki H, Lopez M, Kirchhausen T, Takenawa T, Kirschner MW.The interaction between N-WASP and the Arp2/3 complex links Cdc42-dependent signals to actin assembly.Cell 1999 Apr 16;97(2):221-31.
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• Fang G, Yu H, Kirschner MW.Direct binding of CDC20 protein family members activates the anaphase-promoting complex in mitosis and G1.Mol Cell 1998 Aug;2(2):163-71.
  9734353