In vivo analysis of signaling dynamics of the Notch receptor

Friday, October 28, 2011
Hall 1-2 (San Jose Convention Center)
Alexa Putnam , Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
Jennifer Bevis , Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
Marla Tipping , Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
Alexey Veraksa, PhD , Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
Inappropriate signaling of the Notch pathway has been shown to be involved in many human cancers. Genetic and biochemical analysis of Notch signaling has revealed modulators of the pathway. However, these studies utilize artificial promoters which alter spatial and temporal expression of the Notch protein. In this study, we wish to investigate the dynamics of Notch signaling in vivo, and under the control of its endogenous promoter. To do this we will be imploring the genetic advances in recombineering and targeted transgene insertion to create fluorescent and affinity tagged isoforms of Notch. These transgenes will be used to follow Notch receptor dynamics in various tissues, as well as identify novel modulators of the pathway. The data from these studies will generate a more complex and complete picture of the Notch signaling network.