Synopsis:

My lab studies membrane traffic between the trans-Golgi network and endosomal organelles. This central feature of eukaryotic cell biology is important for functions of the human body including the ability to recognize and destroy infective agents such as bacteria and viruses, sugar uptake in response to insulin and the proper reaction of cells to growth factors-a feature important in normal development and that is often inappropriately regulated in cancer. I have two main types of projects in the lab; characterizing protein-protein interactions important for membrane traffic and identifying synthetic chemical compounds that regulate membrane traffic.

I use a number of approaches in these projects including biochemical, genetic, and cell biological techniques. I use the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae as a model organism for much of my work, this easy to grow and genetically tractable organism is a powerful first line of attack to many problems, however we will apply concepts learned and chemical identified in the yeast system to mammalian tissue culture models. Some exciting new projects will involve the use of high throughput chemical screening, whole genome genetics and expression arrays.

         

Projects in the lab:

Chemical Biology: I previously established a screening technique to identify compounds that inhibit specific cellular processes. Using this technique, I screened over 100,000 compounds and identified a compound that mimics phenotypes of deletions of clathrin adaptor complex-1 (AP-1) genes in yeast and alters membrane traffic in human cell lines. In addition, I identified additional classes of compounds whose effects suggest inhibition of different membrane traffic pathways. Available projects will identify the molecular target of the existing AP-1 inhibitor and identify the pathway altered by the uncharacterized compounds

Protein interactions: Membrane traffic requires a complex network of protein-protein interactions; what proteins are important and the molecular mechanism of how they function are key questions we will address. Available projects will identify new proteins involved in traffic between the TGN and endosomes using genetic and biochemical techniques. In vitro assembly reactions coupled with site directed mutagenesis for in vivo analysis will be used to address the mechanisms by which newly identified proteins act with some of our old friends to perform their functions in membrane traffic.

Open Positions:

I have an immediate opening for a paid undergrad assistant to help with lab set-up with an opportunity to transition into undergraduate research. I am looking for a technician for lab management and research support.

Selected references:

Duncan, M. C., Ho, D. G., Huang, J., Jung, M. E. & Payne, G. S. (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 104, 6235-40.

Costaguta, G., Duncan, M. C., Fernandez, G. E., Huang, G. H. & Payne, G. S. (2006) Mol Biol Cell 17, 3907-20.

Xie, M. W., Jin, F., Hwang, H., Hwang, S., Anand, V., Duncan, M. C. & Huang, J. (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102, 7215-20.

Duncan, M. C., Costaguta, G. & Payne, G. S. (2003) Nat Cell Biol 5, 77-81.

Duncan, M. C. & Payne, G. S. (2003) Trends Cell Biol 13, 211-5.

Undergraduate Study  |   Graduate Programs  |   Research Areas  |   Resources and Directories  |   Seminars and Events  |   News  |   Biology Home