These cells produce and secrete insulin. We are learning how MAPKs help to coordinate these processes. Functions of MAPK cascades in the immune system. A number of drugs that act as anti-inflammatory agents target components of MAPK cascades. Mechanisms controlling signaling specificity.
Many ligands activate an overlapping array of signaling pathways.
We are defining protein-protein interactions and mechanisms of subcellular localization of signal transducers to understand how distinct outputs are generated by different hormones and other agents. Genetic analysis of protein kinase cascades in the nematode C. elegans . To aid in delineating the functions of MAPKs and other signaling pathways, we are using forward and reverse genetics in the nematode. The completed genome sequence and the ease of introducing mutants into the organism facilitates our study of nematode protein kinases. Structure-function relationships of MAPK cascades.