Poster Title (Current Submission)
Direct Evidence Of Neurofibromatosis II Protein – Merlin – Inhibiting Glial Growth Through The ErbB2 Receptor
Major(s)
Integrative Physiology
Minor(s)
Spanish
Mentor Name
Dr. Marlan Hansen
Other Mentor Department
UI Department of Otolaryngology
Abstract
Merlin (Moesin-Ezrin-Radixin-Like) is a tumor suppressor protein predominantly found in nervous tissue. It is a cytoplasmic protein that links actin filaments to the cytoskeleton and helps regulate cell signaling.
It is unknown how exactly Merlin suppresses tumor growth. Nonetheless, mutated, inactive Merlin can commonly be found in neoplasms, including vestibular schwannomas.
Studies suggest that Merlin correlates with cell cycle entry via interactions with certain transmembrane receptors, like Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (ErbB2).
To provide direct evidence of Merlin interacting with ErbB2, a DNA construct with Merlin tagged with CFP (cyan florescent protein) will be biologically engineered. Cells lacking functional Merlin will be transfected with this construct. Then using fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy, Merlin’s molecular interactions with ErbB2 will be monitored.
2010 SURF research prospectus
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Direct Evidence Of Neurofibromatosis II Protein – Merlin – Inhibiting Glial Growth Through The ErbB2 Receptor
Merlin (Moesin-Ezrin-Radixin-Like) is a tumor suppressor protein predominantly found in nervous tissue. It is a cytoplasmic protein that links actin filaments to the cytoskeleton and helps regulate cell signaling.
It is unknown how exactly Merlin suppresses tumor growth. Nonetheless, mutated, inactive Merlin can commonly be found in neoplasms, including vestibular schwannomas.
Studies suggest that Merlin correlates with cell cycle entry via interactions with certain transmembrane receptors, like Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (ErbB2).
To provide direct evidence of Merlin interacting with ErbB2, a DNA construct with Merlin tagged with CFP (cyan florescent protein) will be biologically engineered. Cells lacking functional Merlin will be transfected with this construct. Then using fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy, Merlin’s molecular interactions with ErbB2 will be monitored.