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Charles E. Martin
Professor
Rutgers University
Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Nelson Hall - Busch Campus
Piscataway. NJ 08855-8082
(732) 445-1633
martin@biology.rutgers.edu |
Structure. function and regulation of ER membrane enzyme systems
Problems that are under study in
the laboratory involve the coordinated regulation and structural organization of
membrane-bound enzyme systems that are responsible for fatty acid desaturation. sterol modification and fatty acid elongation. Mutations in the regulation and
function of these systems are the basis of a number of devastating human
diseases. including atherosclerosis and severe neurological disorders. We have
identified two independent fatty acid and oxygen-responsive. regulatory
mechanisms that control this complex system of enzymes in Saccharomyces. One works by controlling
transcription and the other works at the level of mRNA stability. Both systems
are activated by membrane-bound protein sensors that are cleaved by a unique ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. This releases soluble fragments of the sensor
proteins that are translocated to the nucleus where they act to control gene
expression.
We are currently involved in studies that will identify and
determine the functions of the fatty acid and molecular oxygen "detectors"
and signal transduction components of these regulatory circuits that activate
transcription and control mRNA stability in both Saccharomcyes and
Candida albicans.
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