Understanding VAV2-dependent cell migration process through characterization of interactions with ERM proteins.

The reorganization of cytoskeleton is a highly conserved molecular process that is required by single and multi-cell organisms to survive. The cytoskeleton is a complex structure comprised of hundreds of molecules that work synchronously to maintain the infrastructure of the cell or to move cells in response to stimuli. Our overarching goal is to understand molecular processes that regulate cell migration. To this end, our group is working on deciphering how a new protein-protein interaction we discovered between the guanine nucleotide exchange factor VAV2 and ERM-family member EZRIN, work together to regulate cell migration. Our work in progress shows that these two proteins interact in vivo and contribute to signalling cascades that regulate cell migration in response to stimuli. The outcomes from our program will expand our knowledge of the molecular processes that are involved in mediating the signalling events that are necessary for biological processes that include cytoskeleton reorganization, cell migration, and phagocytosis. We are privileged to have made the discovery of a new protein-protein interaction and to be able to continue our program on a long-term basis. Undergraduate and graduate students contributing to this program will experience diverse training in molecular and cellular biology, informatics analysis and knowledge translation.